Brenda Blethyn, 78, sets record straight on retirement fears ahead of quitting ITV Vera role: ‘I don’t want to!’

ITV Vera star Brenda Blethyn has spoken candidly about her career future and why she decided to call it quits on the beloved series earlier this year.

The 78-year-old first starred as DCI Vera Stanhope in 2011 and has catapulted the series to global fame.

Blethyn, who has had an illustrious career on-screen, announced in April that the upcoming 14th series double-bill will be its last.

She has spent nearly 15 years as Vera, famously outfitted in her iconic green hat and collection of scarves.

The humble programme has gained an international following. Blethyn credits its success to Vera being a “family show” that avoids violence or “titillating” controversy.

The legendary actress has highlighted that the show’s murder case plots usually revolve around “interesting themes” – as an example, she says a new episode deals with the “shocking” complications of private foster homes.

Blethyn’s announcement inevitably led some fans to fear the 78-year-old was retiring from acting altogether.

Speaking to RadioTimes, the acting icon made it clear she wasn’t quitting her day job altogether.

“I don’t want to travel, I just want to be at home. Which isn’t to say I’m retiring,” she explained before revealing that she’d agreed to begin filming a new project with actress Andrea Riseborough as soon as production wrapped on Vera.

The 78-year-old explained she accepted leaving the beloved show was a “huge decision,” especially after it has dominated the last 14 years of her life.

However, Blethyn now simply wishes to spend more time at home with her husband and their treasured dog, Jack.

“None of us is getting any younger,” she admitted.

Despite looking forward to spending her free time with loved ones, the A River Runs Through It star revealed she still had serious doubts when filming Vera’s final episode.

While on set, she had a “lump in her throat” as she was plagued by thoughts of: “God, this is it!”

At some moments, the decorated actress even asked herself if she had made a mistake in leaving the show.

Despite her nerves about leaving Vera behind, Blethyn is contented with the legacy she has built.

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“I hope that Vera helped open the door for all female cops on TV,” the 78-year-old said.

Blethyn is proud Vera led the show as an independent detective without the need for a romantic relationship to rely on.