Brenda Blethyn isn’t quite ready to leave DCI Vera Stanhope behind (Picture: ITV)
British acting icon Brenda Blethyn is already reconnecting with her long-running role as DCI Vera Stanhope just weeks after an emotional finale.
Brenda, 78, bid adieu to her time as ITV’s beloved resident TV detective at the start of January after 14 years.
It was a tearjerking farewell as fans mourned the end of ‘one of the best crime dramas ever’ as Vera dived into one last investigation to uncover the mystery behind missing teenager Chloe.
But for viewers with a Vera-shaped hold in their hearts, Brenda will be taking a trip down memory lane at a new event in Newcastle that is all about the show.
The goodbye show, Vera – End of an Era, will be hosted by former BBC broadcaster Steph McGovern. Brenda and Vera author Ann Cleeves will discuss the final series and delve into their favourite scenes with fans.
The synopsis for the event reads: ‘It’s an unmissable chance for fans to bid a fond farewell to a much-loved show and celebrate one of crime fiction’s greatest detectives.’
Vera and author Anne Cleeves will host a talk with fans reflecting on the beloved fictional detective (Picture: Helen Williams/REX/Shutterstock)
And for anyone who missed it, there is a companion documentary to the finale, Vera: Farewell Pet which is also available to stream
After the Northumberland-based series came to an end, Brenda released a poignant message to her followers.
‘A heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent such warm messages about the winding up of Vera.
‘I loved every minute of working on the series and I will miss it. The warmth and generosity of fans worldwide made it even more special. thank you from the bottom of my heart. Brenda x.’
The Secrets and Lies actor decided to step away from the role to ‘semi-retire’ and spend more time away from her family, although she has previously opened up about her reservations.
She told Saga Magazine: I shall probably regret the decision soon, but Vera takes up quite a lot of my time
‘Filming a series means six months of the year away from home. The people I work with do feel like family, but I’ve also got my own family down south.’
Brenda released a ‘heartfelt’ statement to fans after the finale earlier this month (Picture: Helen Williams/Shutterstock)
The end of the era, which began with season one in 2011, has also prompted Brenda to share memories from her time filming, including a health scare which got her sent to hospital about ‘four or five years ago’.
‘I got Bell’s palsy during one episode and my face was all… I think it happened on camera,’ she told The Sun.
‘The makeup artist started to notice it. What’s wrong with Brenda’s face? She’s winking at everybody. I blink a lot but there was only one eye that was going.
‘But because it was dealt with immediately within the hour of it happening by a doctor [it wasn’t as bad] I was taken to hospital straight away,’ she added, saying it may have seemed from an ear infection.
Tickets are now available for Vera – End of an Era. Vera is available to stream on ITVX.
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