Brenda plays Vera in the ITV show (Image: ITV)
Brenda Blethyn has shared insights into a series first as the final instalment of Vera hits the screens.
Vera is set to return for one last hurrah – two feature-length episodes – at the start of the New Year, before Brenda takes her final bow as the beloved character in what promises to be heart-wrenching scenes for the show’s fans.
In anticipation of the upcoming series, Brenda has divulged details about an unprecedented moment for her character – as she is finally presented with a promotion opportunity. Additionally, there’s buzz around the new face joining the cast, ‘s Shobna Gulati, who steps in as Chief Superintendent Khalon.
Discussing Shobna’s role, Brenda said: “The new Chief Superintendent is rather severe on camera. But Shobna and I couldn’t stop giggling. In between takes we were laughing our heads off. At the start of the first film Chief Supt Khalon offers Vera a promotion. It’s about time! It’s taken 14 years for Vera to be offered promotion. She’s been the same rank throughout.”
Meanwhile, tension simmers between DI Joe Ashworth (David Leon) and Vera.
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Shobna starred in Coronation Street (Image: ITV)
She added: “There’s something up with Joe at the start of this series. He’s dragging his feet. Vera obviously has a soft spot for Joe. But she doesn’t carry people. Everyone has to pull their weight. And if there is something up, say what it is. Tell her what it is.
“We filmed a scene involving Vera and Joe on the St Mary’s Island causeway near Whitley Bay which is quite the exchange of words. There’s a history between them. In the very first episode of Vera, Joe scattered her father Hector’s ashes. It had a real impact on Vera.”
Brenda is bidding goodbye to the iconic character (Image: ITV)
“I love working with David. He only left after series four to pursue writing and directing, and no sooner had he done so that his film won an award at the Tribeca Film Festival. But he did return to direct an episode of Vera, Black Ice, series 8 episode 2.”
After Joe made his departure, Vera ended up working with a new DS, Aiden Healy, played by Kenny Doughty.
“I also loved working with Kenny Doughty, who played Aiden Healy after David left. He joined on Series five and luckily stayed for eight series. We were buddies. Now David’s welcome return has allowed the writer to explore the full arc of Vera and Joe’s story.”
*Vera airs on ITV1 and ITVX at 8pm on January 1st 2025.