Brenda Blethyn has opened up on her decision to quit her iconic role as the titular character in ITV’s Vera after 14 years, and admits she’s “not sad”.
The veteran actress, 78, announced in April that she would be leaving the crime drama, and said at the time she was “proud of our achievements” since the show began in 2011.
The Kent-born star also praised those she worked alongside, including producers, cast and crew, saying: "I'm going to miss them, but I won't forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laugher or kindness we shared, not the friendship of the people of the northeast and our fans worldwide.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Now, five months on, Blethyn - who won the Rose d’Or Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 for Vera and has starred in the series since the first episode - is adamant it’s the right decision.
When asked about it by GB News, she said: “I'm not sad because I'm so happy to have done it.”
Insisting it hadn’t been a difficult decision to make, she explained: “Not really, because I was away from home for six months every year. And after 14 years, you know...”
Blethyn filmed her last season this summer, which will bring more stories of murder mysteries from the North East of England in the form of two 120 minute episodes.
She remained tight-lipped however on the way her workaholic character would exit.
The drama is based on the Vera Stanhope novels written by Ann Cleeves, whose works have also been adapted into the TV shows Shetland and The Long Call.
Blethyn is also known for her critically acclaimed film work, earning an Oscar nomination for her role in Secrets & Lies and picking up a Bafta and Golden Globe for the 1996 comedy drama.
She was given best supporting actress nods by the Academy Awards and Bafta for the musical Little Voice.
Blethyn has also earned Bafta nominations for 2004 family drama Belonging and 2005 period drama Pride And Prejudice.
