Vera star Brenda Blethyn has opened up about her heartbreaking health condition which first struck while she was on set filming for the beloved ITV crime drama.
The BAFTA winning actress, 78, who is best known for her role as DCI Stanhope in the ITV show, bid an emotional farewell to the show after 14 years when the acclaimed series aired its final episode earlier this month on January 2.
After well over a decade on the show, Brenda will have many memorable moments on the show – both good and bad – with her on set “medical emergency” expected to be one she won’t forget in a hurry.
Brenda revealed she had been struck by Bell’s Palsy which was something that was first picked up on by a make-up artist on set and had to be rushed to hospital as a result.
Bell’s palsy is described as temporary weakness or lack of movement that usually affects one side of the face according to the NHS.
The British born star first revealed her condition during a media interaction at a special screening event in London with Vera author Ann Cleeves.
Speaking of the incident, she recalled: “I was dealt with immediately by a doctor and taken to hospital. We found out it was caused by an ear infection.”
In a separate interview with The Sun, she explained: “I got Bell’s palsy during one episode and my face was all… I think it happened on camera.
“The makeup artist started to notice it. What’s wrong with Brenda’s face? She’s winking at everybody. I blink a lot but there was only one eye that was going.”
The 78-year-old confirmed the incident had happened about ‘four or five years ago’ but was dealt with immediately.
However, Bell’s Palsy is not the only health battle Brenda has faced during her years of filming Vera as she revealed she spent many years ‘struggling’ with imposter syndrome.
She previously confessed to the Radio Times: “It’s better since I’ve been doing Vera, but I’ve spent my life suffering from impostor syndrome. Because, at the end of the day. I’ll always just be Brenda from Ramsgate.”
According to the British Medical Association, imposter syndrome is described as “a feeling of inadequacy that persists despite evidence of success”.
The BMA adds: “This sensation of chronic self-doubt can feel both undermining and isolating with individuals describing sensations of fraudulence, which over a prolonged period can act as a significant contributor to burnout.”
Speaking about her departure from the show, Brenda said: “As much as I loved all that, I’ve got a family at home, and I realised I hadn’t had a summer for 14 years with my family.
“So, I still did another series because I couldn’t drag myself away. But anyway, it was time, that’s all.”
Although, she did admit she is anticipating tears come March time when she would normally be getting ready to work on the next season of the show and recalls having a “lump in her throat” on the final day of filming.
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