Brenda Blethyn, known for her role as DCI Vera Stanhope, is preparing to say goodbye to the popular ITV series Vera, which is set to end in early 2025. The esteemed actress is stepping down from her leading role in ITV’s successful detective drama Vera, leaving fans curious about her reasons for leaving and eager to learn more about her life and career.
For over ten years, Brenda has enthralled viewers with her portrayal of Vera, demonstrating her unique method of crime-solving and tackling intricate cases. Unfortunately, it’s time to bid farewell to Vera, with the final season premiering tonight, Wednesday, January 1, at 8pm on ITV and ITVX.
Before we delve into the concluding episodes, let’s take a closer look at what makes Vera’s Brenda Blethyn such an extraordinary figure. Born in Ramsgate, Kent, in February 1946, Brenda hails from a large family.
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Known as Brenda Bottle, she was one of nine children born to her mother Louisa, a maid, and father William, who worked as a chauffeur and mechanic before World War II. Despite financial struggles, Brenda spoke warmly about her upbringing to Great British Life, believing that their wealth extended beyond material possessions.
“We were poor. But we didn’t know we were poor because we were rich in lots of things,” Brenda stated. “Not in material things, but in other, more important things. Mum and Dad had plenty of time for us; we had to work hard and they were quite strict, we might get reprimanded and get a clout, but in equal measure, we got lots of loving, cuddles and lots of fun and games.”, reports the Mirror.
Brenda Blethyn, the acclaimed actress known for her role in Vera, developed a passion for acting in her youth through an amateur dramatics club. She honed her craft at the Guilford School of Acting and later joined the Royal National Theatre.
Before captivating audiences as Vera, Blethyn showcased her talents in a variety of popular films and TV series such as Pride and Prejudice, Roald Dahl’s The Witches, Secrets and Lies, and Yes Minister.
The question on many fans’ minds is: Who is Brenda Blethyn’s husband?
The 78 year old star first tied the knot with Alan James Blethyn at the tender age of 19 in 1964. Unfortunately, the marriage was not to last, as she revealed to The Guardian that her ex-husband “fell for someone else,” which led to their permanent separation.
Reflecting on the split, Blethyn shared, “‘My brothers looked after me and protected me from predators – so well that I was quite innocent sexually when I came to marry for the first time at 19.”
She continued, “My first husband, Alan Blethyn, just fell for someone else. I was devastated when he left, but he really was a lovely fella and the other lady is nice too. It was just one of those things.”
Despite the heartbreak, Blethyn chose to delay informing her parents about the end of her marriage, wanting to show them she could “handle not being with Alan”.
Later in life, Blethyn found love again with Michael Mayhew, who served as the former head of graphic design and art director at the National Theatre. The couple enjoyed a lengthy engagement of 35 years before exchanging vows in 2010.
They now reside in Kent with their beloved cockapoo named Jack, although Blethyn has spent considerable time in the northeast due to the filming of Vera.
Brenda Blethyn has opened up about her decision to step away from her iconic role as Vera, citing a desire to spend more time with her loved ones as a key factor. Speaking to PA, she reflected on the sacrifices made over the years: “It was a lovely summer back in 2023, and I came to realise I hadn’t had a summer with my husband for 14 years.”
She added, “Naturally, I missed my family. And my dog Jack, although he was with me in the North East, but I didn’t see him much because I was working all day. I love my Vera family, but I love my other family too.”
In an earlier conversation with The Mirror in 2005, Blethyn hinted at her future plans, expressing her affection for her Ramsgate home: “I have a home in Ramsgate, and I plan to relocate there permanently. It’s so lovely waking up in the morning to the sea.”
With the filming for Vera concluded, it seems likely that Blethyn will now be embracing the coastal life she’s longed for.