FAREWELL, pet

BRENDA BLETHYN on why she's saying goodbye to iconic DCI Vera Stanhope

- TESS LAMACRAFT

VERA
NEW YEAR’S DAY & THU 2 JAN, 8PM, ITV1 DRAMA

It will be the end of an era when formidable DCI Vera Stanhope stomps back on to our screens during the festive fortnight to unravel more mysteries. After over 13 years pounding the beat with the fictional Northumberland and City Police department, award-winning actor Brenda Blethyn revealed in April 2024 that she would be saying cheerio to hit ITV1 crime drama Vera.

But before her straight talking character can hang up her famous bucket hat and trench coat, she must crack her final two cases as the show returns for a 14th series.

The first story, Inside, tasks Vera and her right-hand man, DI Joe Ashworth (played by David Leon), with navigating a tangled web of secret love, grudges and regret after the body of a young man is found on the banks of the River Tyne, while the second case, The Dark Wives, centres around the murder of a bright student.

Entwined with the investigations is Vera’s own personal journey, with some potentially life-changing decisions on the cards.

TV Times brought Brenda, 78, in for questioning to find out more about her popular detective’s last stand…

We were sad to hear you were bowing out as DCI Stanhope, Brenda. Why was it the right time to leave the show?

It was such a hard decision. I love Vera and come next March, when I’d normally be about to start filming, I’ll probably be crying. But I’ve been working on the show for six months of every year for the past 13 years, away from my family. So, as much as I love it, it was time to stop.