Brenda Blethyn, best known for her role as DCI Stanhope in the ITV crime series Vera, has announced her departure from the show after 14 years. The actress confirmed in April that the upcoming series would be her last, expressing her gratitude in an emotional statement. She said, 'Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and I’m sad to be saying Cheerio. But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen years.'
Blethyn is set to make a special guest appearance at the Charlotte Straker House Summer Fete on Saturday, where she will officially open the festivities. The charity event aims to raise funds for the reopened Community Respite Bed, which provides free respite care for those over 65. The charity's website stated, 'We’re thrilled to welcome the renowned actress to our fete – don’t miss this chance to meet the star of Vera and support a fantastic cause.'
Meanwhile, Kenny Doughty, who played DS Aiden Healy in the series, has hinted at a return to acting after leaving the show last year. Doughty, who married actress Ashley Jensen, shared a photo of a pint of Guinness at Dublin airport on Instagram, writing, 'Week 1 of filming in the bag! Looking forward to a weekend home.' He was replaced by David Leon, who reprised his role as DS Joe Ashworth.
