Brenda Blethyn was visibly moved as she revealed why her beloved character Vera Stanhope wasn’t killed off in the ITV crime drama Vera, which concluded with emotional two-hour specials after a 14-year run.
Despite rumours that Vera might meet her demise, she survived the final episode, leaving fans relieved. Brenda shared heartfelt insights during the ITV documentary Vera, Farewell Pet, explaining her stance on Vera’s fate.
Choking back tears, Brenda expressed: “I didn’t want Vera killed off because I suspected that she’d be living on in the books. She’s a sensible woman, Vera, she knows when it’s time to call it a day. In the same way Brenda Blethyn knows when it’s time to call it a day. You just sense when the time is right.”
The 78-year-old actress was overcome with emotion recalling her last day on set: “On the last day filming on set, I have to say I felt very emotional. It’s her packing up her stuff and backing out of the office and I could have cried to be honest.”
As she wiped away a tear, she reflected: “Oh it’s coming back to me,” reports .
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Vera’s Brenda Blethyn in the ITV drama’s finale (Image: ITV)
She concluded with a poignant note: “It’s so bitter sweet, it really is because I’ve loved every bit of this job.” The moment the final curtain came down on a beloved TV series, social media was abuzz with heartfelt reactions from fans.
One avid viewer took to Twitter expressing their sentiments: “Will miss the show of course but wish there’d been some contribution tonight to #Vera Farewell Pet from Jac, from Aiden.”
While another shared: “And I’m crying again watching #farewellpet #vera listening to @BrendaBlethyn talking how emotional she was. So sad, going to miss you #vera #brendablethyn.”
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Vera’s Brenda Blethyn (Image: ITV)
Another stated: “Thank you Brenda and all the crew for 14 amazing years of this fantastic show. Vera is easily the best show on television and I’ll really miss it #Vera.”
Adding to the stream of farewells, another viewer said, “Thank You #BrendaBlethyn and everyone who’s ever been part of #TeamVera Lovely and emotional behind the scenes documentary tonight too, a fitting and dignified send-off.”
Vera is available to watch on ITVX