Vera’s Brenda Blethyn confirms she’s already landed her next role after quitting ITV drama
VERA’s Brenda Blethyn OBE has confirmed that she’s already landed her next role.
The two-time Academy Award nominated actress previously revealed that she is stepping away from the popular ITV drama.
Brenda, 78, received acclaim after she first played Detective Vera Stanhope in 2011.
She was recently nominated for her role in the Drama Performance category at the 2024 National Television Awards.
After nearly 14 years on-screen and 54 episodes, she seemed to want a change of direction and to embark on new roles.
On the red carpet at the star-studded ceremony, the BAFTA award-winning actress opened up on her upcoming project.
She told The Sun Online: “I’ve just finished a film.
“I’ve just finished a film written and directed by Paul Andrew Williams.”
Adding: “I don’t know when that’s coming, it’s actually untitled.”
She confirmed to GB News that she will star alongside fellow Oscar-nominated star Andrea Riseborough, 42.
Despite the exciting new chapter, Brenda did admit that the ending of the long-running crime drama was ’emotional’ for her.
When asked about filming the final scenes of Vera, she told us: “Yeah, it was quite emotional.
“Hopefully it’s up to its normal standard, and I’ve not seen them yet the last two episodes.”
Brenda added: “[But] the stories are all good.”
Earlier in April this year, the actress previously confirmed that the beloved show will come to an end after the 14th series.
In a heartfelt statement, she explained: “Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and I’m sad to be saying Cheerio.
Vera's Cast Over The Last 14 Years
Since its launch back in 2011 Vera has gripped ITV viewers with its crime stories - and dozens of actors have appeared in the show, including:
- Brenda Blethyn
- David Leon
- Jon Morrison
- Riley Jones
- Wunmi Mosaku
- Paul Ritter
- Cush Jumbo
- Sonya Cassidy
- Clare Calbraith
- Kingsley Ben-Adir
- Kenny Doughty
- Lisa Hammond
- Noof McEwan
- Christopher Colquhoun
- Steve Evets
- Ibinabo Jack
- Paul Kaye
- Sarah Kameela
- Rhiannon Clements
“But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen
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 or 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.”
Vera will return in early 2025 with the final two episodes on ITV1 and ITVX.