Brenda Blethyn will conclude her role as Vera in a double-feature finale airing on ITV, marking the end of an era for the beloved detective series
Newcastle: Brenda Blethyn is wrapping up her time as Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope. The popular ITV show, Vera, is ending with two special episodes called Inside and The Dark Wives, airing on January 1 and 2 at 8pm.
Vera, known for her unique trench coat, won’t go out quietly. The final series promises to mix thrilling murder mysteries with Vera’s personal story. Alongside Blethyn, familiar faces like David Leon and Jon Morrison will return for this grand finale.
Set in the North East, the penultimate episode kicks off with Vera investigating a young man’s body found by anglers on the banks of the Tyne. As she digs deeper, a tangled story of love, grudges, and regret unfolds.
The last episode takes Vera back to a familiar spot where a bright student has been attacked. While solving the mystery, she also reflects on her childhood memories, adding a personal touch to the drama.
Blethyn shared that filming certain scenes was emotional for her. After starting the role in 2011, she’s ready to step back and spend more time with her family, especially after realizing she hadn’t had a summer with her husband in 14 years.
At 78, she expressed her love for both her Vera family and her real family. She initially thought about leaving after series 13 but decided to return for a proper send-off. Blethyn has received several awards for her role, including a Royal Television Society award in 2017.
The final episodes are penned by series regular Phil Mulryne, with the last one based on Ann Cleeves’ latest novel, The Dark Wives. Cleeves’ works have also inspired other shows like Shetland.
Don’t miss Vera on ITV1 at 8pm on January 1 and 2, followed by a special documentary, Vera Farewell Pet, on January 3 at 9pm.
