Brenda Blethyn, 78, reveals potential for Vera spin-off show after quitting ITV role

Vera star Brenda Blethyn left fans heartbroken when she announced earlier this year she’d be leaving her role after 14 years, with the series coming to an end in January.

Despite sharing how she hopes to spend more time with her family, the actress teased the potential of a Vera “spin-off,” filmed closer to home.

The beloved ITV series has followed the Geordie detective since 2011, and fans soon feel in love with the trench-coat wearing character.

Explaining her decision to leave the role behind, Blethyn commented: “It was a lovely summer back in 2023 and I came to realise I hadn’t had a summer with my husband for 14 years.”

“Naturally I missed my family. And my dog Jack, although he was with me in the North East,” she continued.

Speaking to PA, the actress added: “But I didn’t see him much because I was working all day. I love my Vera family, but I love my other family too.”

Reflecting on the emotions that came with bidding farewell to the role, the Vera star went on: “It felt extra special filming these final two films.

“We are all pretty close. Jon Morrison (DC Kenny Lockhart) has been there since the second episode of the first series and Riley Jones (DC Mark Edwards) came in on the fourth episode.

“It’s been a big part of their lives too. It’s sad saying goodbye to people in the cast and crew.

“Because they are so good, professional, and talented, and I love working with them.”

Delving into the possibility of more episodes after the series conclusion, she joked: “I wish there could have been an episode where I stayed at home in Kent: ‘Vera Goes South.’

“But, of course, the series is dyed in the wool Northumberland and the North East and I understand that’s where it has to be.”

The Academy and Emmy nominated actress took on the role back in 2011 and back in April issued an emotional statement announcing her decision to leave.

She 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.

“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.”

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Creative director of the show, Kate Bartlett commented: “It is the end of an era and has been an extraordinary journey over fourteen amazing series of Vera.”

he continued: “So many wonderful and talented people have been involved in the making of Vera across all the series, but none of us would be here without two incredible women: firstly, the absolutely extraordinary talent of the inimitable Brenda Blethyn.

“She is brilliant as DCI Vera Stanhope, a truly iconic character of our times.

“And – of course – the amazing Ann Cleeves, author of the original novels and creator of DCI Vera Stanhope.

“We will all be very sad to say goodbye to Brenda and everyone involved in making the show.”

Fans will be eagerly awaiting the final episodes to find out Vera’s fate, with the last instalments airing on January 1 and 2.