ITV Vera star Brenda Blethyn hints at sad ending for character as she drops clue on show finale

Brenda Blethyn has opened up on the finale of beloved ITV series Vera, teasing how the much-loved character might come to an end with a sad fate.

Blethyn, 78, has starred as the trench coat-wearing detective since Vera first hit screens in 2011, but it was announced earlier this year the series would be wrapping up for good.

The crime drama has seen Vera Stanhope as the leading lady for 13 series, with the finale of the next instalments finally concluding the ITV staple.

Fans were devastated when the actress announced back in April she would be leaving the role, and have since turned their attention to what may become of their favourite Geordie chief inspector.

Speaking recently at an event for the show, Blethyn ws joined by Ann Cleeves, author of the Vera novels the show is based on.

The actress was asked about whether Stanhope would end up being “killed off” in the final episodes.

“No comment,” she responded cryptically, with the host of the event probing: “They’re not going to kill you, are they?”

Keeping her lips sealed, the actress responded: “I’m not going to tell you,” The Express reports.

It was reported previously that DCI Stanhope would be confronting a “deadly threat” in the upcoming final series.

Offering a tiny glimpse into what is to come, Blethyn commented: “I will tell you there is trouble with Joe Ashworth.” (played by David Leon).

The award-winning actress detailed: “Joe has something going on that he doesn’t want to talk about and Vera is anxious to get to the bottom of that.

“We know he came back to the area because his father was ill. He passed away. We’ve already seen that.

“Joe doesn’t seem to have come out of that dungeon and Vera’s concerned about that.”

Blethyn also shared that, as expected, the duo would be attempting to crack a murder case, but fans have been concerned about how the conclusion of the series would be bidding farewell to the character of Stanhope.

Announcing her plans to depart from the series earlier this year, the actress stated: “Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and I’m sad to be saying Cheerio.

“But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen years. I’ll be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role.

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“The producers, dream cast and crew have been fabulous and I’m going to miss them, but I won’t forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the north east and our fans worldwide.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”