Vera’s Brenda Blethyn reveals the real reason she quit ITV drama after 14 years – and what she stole from set

BRENDA Blethyn called it quits on Vera after 14 years – but revealed she had a plan to keep the beloved detective alive.

The actress left the hit ITV series to spend more time with her family.

But she managed to keep some memories of the sweet detective series.

Brenda Blethyn has revealed the real reason behind her departure from ITV’s hit crime drama Vera.Credit: Splash

The Bafta winner has been playing the role of Vera Stanhope since 2011Credit: ITV STUDIOS

Brenda also revealed the memories she kept from filmingCredit: Getty

She said: “I have the mac and the hat! I think I also have the coat, the tweedy one.

“Even though it seems like it’s been through the mill.

“It was a difficult decision and next March, when I would normally be preparing to go back up there, I will probably be crying.

“As much as I loved it all, I have a family at home and I realized I hadn’t had a summer for 14 years with my family.

“So I did another series anyway because I couldn’t help myself.

“But anyway, it’s about time, that’s all.”

The final episodes of Brenda will air on January 1 and 2 at 8 p.m., with a factual special, Vera: Farewell Pet, following on January 3 at 9 p.m.

All three episodes will air on ITV1 and later, the ITVX streaming service.

Last month, Bafta winner Brenda explained how Vera will end after 14 years on the air.

Vera writer breaks silence on Brenda Blethyn’s exit from hit ITV drama ahead of final series of the story

During an event at the BFI in London Celebrating the series’ success, the actress responded when asked about the finale: “No comment. I’m not going to tell you.”

However, she hinted at a tough time for DI. Vera Stanhope and his colleague Joe Ashworth (David Leon).

It comes as David Leon returned to his role as Joe after a ten-year absence from ITV. crime drama.

Brenda said, “Joe has something going on that he doesn’t want to talk about and Vera can’t wait to get to the bottom of things.

“We know he came back to the area because his father was sick. He died, we’ve seen him before.

“Joe doesn’t seem to have come out of that dungeon and VeraThat worries me.”

Vera’s casting over the past 14 years

Since its launch in 2011, Vera has captivated ITV viewers with its detective stories – and dozens of actors have appeared in the series, including:

Meanwhile, the main character faces a momentous change when she learns that her boss intends to promote her.

Brenda said: “VeraVera’s boss, the Chief Inspector, wants to promote her, so it’s a big decision for Vera to make.”

While some fans fear that the beloved character will die, what will Vera’s fate look like at the end of the series?

Vera is broadcast on ITV1 and ITV1X.

Vera will return for a 14th and final series in 2025Credit: Rex