Brenda Blethyn has said she would return to her role as DCI Vera Stanhope “in a heartbeat” if the ITV drama ever made a comeback. The 80-year-old actress ended her 14-year tenure as the detective in early 2025.
Return Possible for Special Episode
Asked about a potential return, Blethyn 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 crime series is adapted from Ann Cleeves' bestselling novels. Blethyn has since taken on a different role in the remake of A Woman of Substance, enjoying the chance to swap Vera's signature bucket hat and coat for couture and high heels.
New Role in 'A Woman of Substance'
Speaking about the new series, 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!”
She added: “I thought, 'Finally, I've arrived! Where is the old trench coat and bucket hat from Vera?' It was great! Variety is the spice of life and it was fun to embrace that, swanning about in couture and high heels!”
Author Confirms Vera's Fate
Meanwhile, author Ann Cleeves has revealed she has finished the manuscript for her twelfth Vera novel, which remains untitled and is due to be published next year. At the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, she confirmed she has not killed off the character.
Cleeves 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.” Blethyn replied: “She'll still be there floating about, she's not dead, is she?” Cleeves confirmed: “No, I haven't killed her. I can tell you I haven't killed her.”
