Brenda Blethyn has praised Vicky McClure for her performance in Trigger Point, saying the actress is part of a wider change in television where women are taking on roles men once held.
Brenda, 80, was particularly impressed while watching Vicky in the ITV thriller, which follows Metropolitan Police bomb disposal officer Lana Washington as she faces dangerous and high-pressure situations in London. Vicky is also widely recognised for playing DI Kate Fleming in Line of Duty.
Women in Formerly Male Roles
Speaking about the changing opportunities for women on screen, Blethyn said she could easily imagine a male actor having been cast in McClure's role in previous decades.
"We are seeing women playing what would have been male roles," she told Mail on Sunday, before highlighting McClure's work in Trigger Point. Brenda described her as "terrific" and recalled thinking while watching the programme that the part would once almost certainly have gone to a man.
The actress also drew a comparison with her own much-loved character, DCI Vera Stanhope, suggesting that Vera herself may have been written as a male detective had the series been made 20 years earlier.
Vera's Legacy
Talking to Mail on Sunday, she said: "We are seeing women playing what would have been male roles. I was watching Vicky McClure in Trigger Point."
"Ten years ago that role would certainly have gone to a man, no question. She is terrific. I met her briefly once and I thought she was great."
"My word, I was thinking last night when I was watching it, 'My goodness, this would've been a bloke playing this role'. Even Vera, 20 years ago, would have been a bloke – Victor or Vern."
Brenda played Vera from 2011 until 2025, becoming closely associated with the North East detective after 14 series of the hugely successful ITV drama. Set around Newcastle upon Tyne and Northumberland, the show followed the unconventional but determined DCI as she investigated a series of complex murder cases.
Character Appeal
Vera also became instantly recognisable for her practical appearance, particularly her weathered raincoat and distinctive green bucket hat. The series attracted a loyal audience throughout its run, averaging around 7.8 million viewers per episode.
Reflecting on what made the character so appealing, Brenda said she particularly appreciated that Vera was not built around traditional ideas of glamour.
"There's less focus on glamour," she explained. "That's why I loved Vera. She wasn't reliant on lipstick or a love interest."
Vera is available to watch on ITVX.
