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Brenda Blethyn fought back tears as she made a heartbreaking admission to a live audience.
By Michelle Marshall, Senior Showbiz Reporter
14:33, Wed, Nov 6, 2024 | UPDATED: 14:33, Wed, Nov 6, 2024
Vera's Brenda Blethyn opened up about the series finale (Image: ITV)
Brenda Blethyn spoke candidly about her time on the much-loved drama Vera, which is ending after 14 series. The DCI Stanhope actress appeared alongside her Vera co-stars for a special event at the British Film Institute, where she and creator Ann Cleeves celebrated the end of the hit ITV crime drama.
The event, aptly named Vera - End of an Era, attracted an audience of fans, press and Vera cast and crew to the famous venue on the South Bank on Tuesday night.
Brenda was visibly moved to tears during the 95-minute special as they revisited some of the most iconic moments of Vera with host Emma Kennedy.
She confessed to feeling "rather choked up" as she officially bid goodbye to her iconic character Vera at a special event in London.
In a touching moment, the 78-year-old made a candid admission about her departure from the series.
Brenda Blethyn's final Vera scenes will be aired next year (Image: ITV)
The on-screen star admitted being heartbroken at having several crew members no longer working on set.
Addressing the "difficult" decision to quit the series, Brenda explained, "It was a big decision because I loved the job. I loved the people I was working with, and I know they loved it too.
It was also a bit of an emotional responsibility because if I stop, it will stop, too."
She recalled: "One day, I saw on the catering list that 76 people had to be fed. I consoled myself knowing that there is a big studio opening up in Sunderland. So there will be lots of jobs available in the Northeast.
Brenda Blethyn made a candid admission on stage (Image: Getty)
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"I was aware that there were people who would like to continue with it but wouldn't be able to, and that made me feel sad."
She added: "But as much as I love my Newcastle family, I have a family at home, and I haven't had a summer in 14 years. It was a difficult decision."
Following her confession, the actress was inundated with supportive messages from the audience. One onlooker praised her: "You have been absolutely brilliant, and I love the programme."
Another audience member remarked, "Brenda, you have given us so many years of absolute joy. I love watching it back."
Vera returns to ITV in 2025
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