Vera’s Brenda Blethyn quit the show after 14 years. (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Brenda Blethyn had a blunt response when asked about being “snubbed” for the New Year’s honours list, despite becoming a household name and starring in ITV hit .
The 78-year old has recently wrapped up her 14-year stint as DCI Vera Stanhope.This iconic role is just one of many that has cemented Brenda’s status as a cherished on-screen presence.
Throughout her illustrious five-decade career, she has graced films like Pride and Prejudice (2005) and A River Runs Through It (1992), earning Oscar nominations for Secrets and Lies (1996) and Little Voice (1998).
Despite her remarkable achievements, Brenda’s name has yet to appear on the New Year’s honours list.
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Brenda Blethyn is donning her infamous green hat one more time (Image: ITV)
When probed by Woman’s Weekly about missing out on damehood recognition, Brenda dismissed the notion, saying, “Recognition? Vera is now shown in 180 territories. It’s number one in Japan, knocking Poirot off the top spot. That’s recognition enough.”
Despite being in her seventies, and having first appeared on screens in 1980 after a successful stage career, Brenda shows no signs of slowing down. She has already featured in a new film, set to be called Dragonfly, reports
She filmed the role within days after returning to her home in Kent after recording Vera in Northumberland. Brenda was called into the role after the original star, who has not been named, dropped out.
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Speaking on ITV’s This Morning, she explained: “I just stepped in to help them out really, as they’d lost one of their actors, someone had to withdraw and the start was imminent.”
“They said ‘would you consider doing this?’ And I thought, ‘let’s have a read’ and I loved it, so yeah.”
Brenda confessed that playing the role of the police officer imbued her with “confidence” as she became an “authority” on crime-solving. However, joining the team on the set of Dragonfly was initially daunting, making her feel like a “beginner again”.
Vera star Brenda Blethyn (Image: Getty)
Following the emotional conclusion of Vera last year, Brenda revealed there were tears on set as everyone bid farewell.
With spring approaching, she anticipates a wave of emotion, likely to “probably cry”, missing the journey to the North East for production.
Nonetheless, Brenda is eager to enjoy more time at home with her partner Michael Mayhew and their beloved cockapoo, Jack.