Brenda Blethyn OBE has announced her departure from the major role in the ITV drama Vera.
Since the first season, which aired in 2011, the iconic actress has played the title character, DCI Vera Stanhope.
The 78-year-old has decided it is time for her to step aside, as the programme begins filming its 14th and last season.
Brenda remarked in a statement, ‘Working on Vera has been a delight from beginning to end, and I’m sad to say goodbye.
‘But I am so proud of our achievements over the last 14 years. I’ll be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role.
‘The producers, dream cast and crew have been fabulous and I’m going to miss them, but I won’t forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the north east and our fans worldwide.
‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart.’
The final season of Vera will consist of two two-hour episodes to wrap up the criminal drama.
In a statement, executive producer Kate Bartlett said: “It is the end of an era and has been an extraordinary journey over 14 amazing series of Vera.”
‘So many wonderful and talented people have been involved in the making of Vera across all the series, but none of us would be here without two incredible women: firstly, the absolutely extraordinary talent of the inimitable Brenda Blethyn. She is brilliant as DCI Vera Stanhope, a truly iconic character of our times.’
Kate then went on to pay homage to the ‘amazing’ Ann Cleeves, who wrote the original novels and created the titular character.
‘We will all be very sad to say goodbye to Brenda and everyone involved in making the show,’ she added.
The final series of Vera is set to film this summer, with Brenda set to reunite with theproduction team who ‘she values as friends in her beloved Northumberland and North East,’ ITV said.
Brenda has garnered several accolades for her portrayal as Vera over the years, including two nominations at the TV Choice Awards and the Crime Thriller Awards, as well as a Royal Television Society award.
Fans were devastated to learn that Vera was no longer alive.
One X user called Mike wrote: ‘Gutted. It’s really good but it’s understandable as brenda is doing other things I believe and it is gruelling I remember her saying. Still gutted.’
Patrick added: ‘A sad day indeed…. 😢 Without a doubt I will miss my annual dose of #Vera.
‘She feels like an old Geordie Auntie who pops into my life every so often… Thanks to Brenda Bethyn for making the character so real over the years.’
Vera is available to watch on ITVX.
