‘I don’t think I can do this anymore’ Brenda Blethyn on future of Vera

North East British crime drama, Vera arrived on our screen in 2011, with Brenda Blethyn starring in the titular character role as DCI Vera Stanhope.

According to The Mirror,  Vera became one of ITV’s most highest-rated shows, and is watched in more than 20 countries.

There have now been 11 series of the show, with season 12 airing the week after the finale of the previous season.

But now, 76-year-old Brenda has discussed that it may be time to call it a day on the North East crime drama.

She explains that after wrapping up each series of the show, she always says: “I really don’t think I can do this anymore.”

Since Brenda lives in Kent, and the show is filmed on location in the North East, Brenda can sometimes be away from home for a long period of time.

She said: “Filming usually means six months away from home – and in 2022 it was the best part of 10 months.”

At home in Kent, Brenda lives with her husband of 13 years, Michal Mayhew and the dog the couple share together, a cockapoo named Jack. “My dog Jack can’t be with me in the North East for all that time,” she said, explaining that the dog wonders where she is when she is not at home.

However, Brenda also said “never say never”, when asked if she would be returning in the role for a 13th series.

Vera is based on a book series by crime author Ann Cleeves, who is currently in the middle of writing the 11th book of the Vera Stanhope series. Brenda explained that she wouldn’t want to “let down” the author by not completing the televised version of the series, as well as her cast mates.