Veteran actress Brenda Blethyn has revealed her “hearbreak” over filming the final episodes of ITV’s hit crime drama Vera, which is set to conclude after 14 years.
The 78-year-old first starred as DCI Vera Stanhope in 2011 and has catapulted the series to global fame.
Blethyn, who has had an illustrious career on-screen, announced in April that the upcoming 14th series double-bill will be its last.
The finale will bookend the nearly 15 years Blethyn has spent as Vera which has seen the humble programme gain an international following.
Speaking to Radio Times, the actress reflected on the her last hours with the iconic character.
One scene in particular with co-star Jon Morrison, who plays DC Kenny Lockhart, proved especially moving for the actress.
Blethyn admitted being heartbroken about leaving Vera behind
ITV
“It broke my heart when I read the script and it was emotional to film,” Blethyn shared.
After filming wrapped, her co-star made a touching gesture by calling Blethyn to express his gratitude.
“Jon rang me up after it was all over. And he said, ‘I just wanted to thank you for giving us 14 years of work.’ What a gentleman,” Blethyn recalled.
The 78-year-old admitted the decision to leave was particularly difficult, revealing she had struggled to “drag herself away” from the show.
Blethyn has starred as Vera since 2011
ITV
“It was a hard decision and come March when I would normally be getting ready to go back up there, I’ll probably be crying,” she said.
The actress explained her departure was motivated by family commitments, with filming forcing her to miss summers with loved ones for the nearly 15 year run of the show.
In an earlier interview, Blethyn explained that she was particularity looking forward to spending more time at home with her husband and their treasured dog, Jack.
“None of us is getting any younger,” she admitted.
While fans eagerly await the final, the veteran actress has been teasingly tight-lipped about any specifics.
However, Blethyn revealed that Vera will face a crucial career decision as her superior plans to promote her in the finale.
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Blethyn has been tight lipped on details of the hotly-anticipated finales
ITV
Meanwhile, her colleague Joe Ashworth appears to be struggling with personal issues.
“Joe has something going on that he doesn’t want to talk about and Vera is anxious to get to the bottom of that,” Blethyn explained.
The final episodes will feature a star-studded cast including David Leon as Joe Ashworth, Rhiannon Clements as Detective Steph Duncan, and Shobna Gulati as Chief Superintendent Khalon.
Riley Jones returns as DC Mark Edwards, alongside Sarah Kameela Impey as Dr Paula Bennett.