Brenda Blethyn, the beloved star of the ITV series "Vera," has announced her departure from the show after 13 years. The 78-year-old actress, who has entertained audiences since 2011 as the sharp-witted DCI Stanhope, shared her heartfelt decision with fans, revealing a mixture of tiredness and emotion.
"Travelling home after finishing filming of Series 14 of VERA. Tired and emotional," Blethyn penned on social media, sparking an outpouring of love and support from her devoted followers.
Fans expressed their gratitude for Blethyn's portrayal of the iconic character, acknowledging the impact "Vera" has had on their lives. "Thank you Brenda, we love Vera so much," wrote one fan, while another echoed the sentiment, "Thank you for all your hard work Brenda and all the cast and crew for bringing us our beloved Vera." The show's dedicated fanbase expressed their bittersweet feelings, with many admitting they'll miss Blethyn's portrayal of the iconic DCI. "Looking forward to Series 14 but I am really going to miss Vera," one viewer shared.
Blethyn's departure has also sparked a wave of appreciation for the show's contribution to the North East region. One fan highlighted the show's positive impact on tourism, stating, "Thank you for the care with which you translated Vera from the books to the screen. It has also been a great tourism boost for the North East."
Despite her exit, Blethyn reassured fans that she intends to return to the region she has come to love. Responding to a fan who expressed hope for her return, Blethyn wrote, "I fully intend to. I love the place."
The upcoming series, set to air early next year, will be Blethyn's final outing as DCI Stanhope. Reflecting on her time on the show, she shared her gratitude, saying, "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." She also expressed her appreciation for author Ann Cleeves, who created the character, and casting director Elaine Collins, who saw Blethyn's potential for the role.
As Blethyn steps away from "Vera," fans will eagerly await the final series, while cherishing the legacy she has created. Though the journey for DCI Stanhope comes to an end, the beloved character will continue to resonate with viewers, leaving a lasting impact on the small screen and beyond.
