It’s been 13 years since Brenda Blethyn first pulled on DCI Stanhope’s old mac to play the shrewdest detective on the Northumberland coast. Since then, Vera has been one of ITV’s highest-rated shows and become a worldwide sensation, watched in more than 20 countries.
So, it’ll come as a worry to fans to hear Brenda discuss what the future holds for the no-nonsense crimefighter beyond this series.
“When we finish filming, I always say, ‘I really don’t think I can do this anymore,’” she admits. “Filming usually means six months away from home – and in 2022 it was the best part of 10 months. But then I have a rest, get my appetite back and change my mind.”
For the moment, however, Brenda will only give a “never say never” response to talk of another series.
The 76-year-old lives in Kent, more than 300 miles away from where the drama is filmed, with husband Michael Mayhew and their cockapoo, Jack.
“My dog Jack can’t be with me in the north-east for all of that time,” she says. “He’s alright once I’ve been away a while filming, but if I come home for a few days in between, he goes mad – then my husband has a merry time of it when I go again, with the dog wondering where I am!”
But after 13 years of the show, her Vera “family” is a big factor, too.
“The emotional feeling comes in – thinking of all of the other people who are still there, who do want to do more,” she says.
“And Ann Cleeves [the author of the Vera novels] is writing her 11th book, so that hasn’t been dealt with on screen yet. You feel you’d be letting her down. Things happen, circumstances change. Enthusiasm and opinions change. So, watch this space!”
One thing is certain – Vera fans still have a lot to enjoy with a bumper new series ahead, the first since last January.
“There’s been a little wait,” admits Brenda. “But fans can look forward to six new feature-length episodes, instead of the usual four. Then a seventh film – The Rising Tide – later in the year, which we only finished before Christmas.”
And one of the new episodes marks a huge milestone. “We’ve done the 50th episode,” Brenda grins. “I feel rather proud of having reached the landmark; we’ve now filmed 51 in total. It’s a great achievement for everyone involved. Who’d have thought when we made that pilot 13 years ago we would be talking about having made 51?”
Over the years, Brenda has seen many changes to the supporting cast, notably the departure of her former partner, DS Joe Ashworth (David Leon), and the arrival of his replacement, DS Aiden Healy (Kenny Doughty).
“I never thought I’d get over David going – that broke my heart,” Brenda confesses. “But Kenny is a joy. He’s my mate.”
Change is in the air again in this new series as pathologist Dr Malcolm Donahue moves on.
“We say goodbye to the wonderful Paul Kaye,” sighs Brenda. “Paul is one of the most positive people I know. There was total respect between Vera and Malcolm along with some very dry humour from him.
“But his replacement is good news – a pathologist, Dr Paula Bennett, played by Sarah Kameela Impey.”
Sarah would be sure of a warm welcome on set, as Brenda goes out of her way to make new cast members feel at home. “Young people come in and they only know Vera from off the telly, so they’re petrified!” she laughs. “I make a point of being daft or making a joke to put them at ease. If they want advice, I give it. But they’re so talented, I usually learn from them!”
And having spent most of last year filming in the extremes of the British weather, keeping a sense of humour is important.
“We filmed in the heatwave – we were filming on a golf course in 37ºC and I thought I was done for. I had to unbutton Vera’s mac!” she laughs. “Then there are times I’m frozen through to the marrow. The heated waistcoat came out for that one.
“We try to liven things up in filming. Jon Morrison, who plays DC Kenny Lockhart, has a great voice – he can blow the windows out. I can’t sing but I am always singing. Everything is a cue for a song. Anything to keep spirits up.”
But she has used her other talents to keep the cast and crew going.
“I tried to teach Kenny Doughty to tap dance, but failed miserably. There is a job to do so it’s not all fun and games – they can be 16-hour days. But it does help us through the day!”
