Since its debut on the small screen in 2011, Vera has become a fixture of ITV’s programming, amassing a dedicated fan base. However, this month fans will bid farewell to Brenda Blethyn’s incarnation of the trench-coated detective in Northumberland, as the show airs its final episode.
Though it is the end of an era for Vera, she won’t be wrapping up her sleuthing solo. DI Joe Ashworth (portrayed by David Leon) will accompany her once more, marking his return from last year.
Reflecting on the impending conclusion of the series, star Brenda Blethyn shared her thoughts on the relationship between Vera and Joe that audiences will witness for the last time.
The acclaimed actress expressed her insights on their dynamic: “There’s something up with Joe at the start of this series. He’s dragging his feet. Vera obviously has a soft spot for Joe. But she doesn’t carry people. Everyone has to pull their weight. And if there is something up, say what it is. Tell her what it is. We filmed a scene involving Vera and Joe on the St Mary’s Island causeway near Whitley Bay which is quite the exchange of words.”
Vera’s Brenda Blethyn pays tribute to co-star she has ‘history’ with
(Image: ITV)
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Brenda also hinted at the deep history shared between the characters, remarking on their bond since the series beginnings: “There’s a history between them. In the very first episode of Vera, Joe scattered her father Hector’s ashes. It had a real impact on Vera.”
Offering further praise about working with her co-star David Leon, she said: “I love working with David. He only left after series four to pursue writing and directing, and no sooner had he done so that his film won an award at the Tribeca Film Festival. But he did return to direct an episode of Vera, Black Ice, series 8 episode 2.”
David’s character had been part of the ITV show since its inception in 2011, but he left in 2014. Although his departure was not depicted on-screen, it was explained to viewers that he had moved to London with his family, reports Chronicle Live.
Following David’s exit, Aiden Healy, played by Kenny Doughty, joined the show in 2014, replacing Joe Ashworth. Brenda spoke highly of Kenny, saying: “I also loved working with Kenny Doughty who played Aiden Healy after David left.”
Kenny joined the show in series five and remained for eight series, during which time he and Brenda became close friends. Brenda added that David’s return has allowed the writers to fully explore the story of Vera and Joe.
The first episode of the final series, airing on January 1, will see Vera contemplating a life-changing decision while investigating two cases. The episode’s synopsis reads: “When an ex-prisoner’s body is discovered on the banks of the River Tyne and she has to find out if the former inmate has been served cold justice or if there’s more to his death.”