Brenda Blethyn has said she would be happy to reprise her role as DCI Vera Stanhope if the ITV drama ever returned for a special episode. The 80-year-old actress ended her 14-year stint as the detective in early 2025.
Return Offer
Asked if she would return to the role, Brenda told Woman’s Day: “In a drop of her bucket hat. Yes, if they did a special or something, of course I would. It was a wonderful job.”
The long-running crime drama was based on Ann Cleeves’ bestselling book series. There are currently no confirmed plans for Brenda to return as Vera.
New Role
Brenda has since taken on a different role in the remake of A Woman of Substance, swapping Vera’s trademark bucket hat and heavy coat for couture and high heels. She said: “It’s a great story traversing the 20th century in all its highs, lows and innovations. What’s not to like? It’s exciting and it ticks all the boxes. It’s sexy and tragic, then it arrives at her being the richest woman in the world!”
The series begins with an older Emma in a limousine in 1970s uptown New York. Brenda joked: “I thought, ‘Finally, I’ve arrived! Where is the old trench coat and bucket hat from Vera?’” She added: “It was great! Variety is the spice of life and it was fun to embrace that, swanning about in couture and high heels!”
Character's Future
Ann Cleeves, who created the character, revealed she has no intention of killing Vera in the final chapter of the franchise. She appeared at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, North Yorkshire alongside Brenda.
Ann, aged 71, disclosed she has completed the manuscript for the ultimate Vera novel. She said: “I loved writing it. Brenda hasn't read it yet, so I'll be sending it to her as she's such a great reader.” Brenda responded: “She'll still be there floating about, she's not dead, is she?” Ann confirmed: “No, I haven't killed her. I can tell you I haven't killed her.”
