BAFTA, RTS, and Golden Globe Award-Winning Actress Begins Filming the Final Series of Vera
Brenda Blethyn OBE has commenced filming for the final series of the long running ITV crime drama Vera, in which she stars as DCI Vera Stanhope. This announcement marks the conclusion of a successful 14-year run for the series, which first aired in May 2011.
In a heartfelt statement, Blethyn expressed her sadness at saying goodbye to the iconic role: “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 14 years. I’ll be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves, who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins, who saw fit to cast me in the role. The producers, dream cast, and crew have been fabulous, and I’m going to miss them. But I won’t forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter, and kindness we shared, nor the friendship of the people of the north east and our fans worldwide. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The 78-year-old actress’s decision to hang up DCI Vera Stanhope’s trench coat and hat comes after a remarkable journey, with Blethyn receiving nominations for two Oscars, two Emmys, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award for her body of work. In 2003, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to acting.
Silverprint Pictures Creative Director Kate Bartlett, who has executive produced much of Vera, paid tribute to Blethyn and author Ann Cleeves: “It is the end of an era and has been an extraordinary journey over 14 amazing series of Vera. So many wonderful and talented people have been involved in the making of Vera across all the series, but none of us would be here without two incredible women: firstly, the absolutely extraordinary talent of the inimitable Brenda Blethyn. She is brilliant as DCI Vera Stanhope, a truly iconic character of our times. And, of course, the amazing Ann Cleeves, author of the original novels and creator of DCI Vera Stanhope. We will all be very sad to say goodbye to Brenda and everyone involved in making the show.”
Vera has been a staple of British television, averaging 7.8 million viewers per episode in the UK and achieving international acclaim. The series has also had a positive impact on North East Tourism, winning the ‘Judges Award’ at the 2019 RTS North East and Border Awards for its outstanding contribution to the region.
As Brenda Blethyn OBE bids farewell to DCI Vera Stanhope, the final series promises to be a fitting conclusion to a beloved crime drama.
