WORKING ON VERA HAS BEEN ‘A JOY’

Brenda Blethyn OBE is to return to the iconic role of Vera as filming begins for the final series. The Academy and Emmy nominated actress confirmed she has decided to hang up DCI Vera Stanhope’s infamous trench coat and hat following the filming of series 14 this summer.

Brenda Blethyn commented: “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.”

Vera has had a positive impact on the North East Tourism which was celebrated by a win at the 2019 RTS North East and Border Awards. The show received the “Judges Award” for the show’s outstanding contribution to the region.

Creative director Kate Bartlett said: “It has been an extraordinary journey over fourteen amazing series of Vera. 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 the amazing Ann Cleeves, author of the original novels and creator of DCI Vera Stanhope.”

All 13 series of Vera are available for streaming on ITVX.