Brenda Blethyn is known for playing DCI Stanhope in ITV’s long-running crime drama Vera. The actress, 78, has played the title role for a huge 13 years, with the final episode set to air tonight, January 2, on ITV.
Ahead of the show’s final conclusion, we have taken a look at Brenda’s time on the popular programme. The BAFTA-winning star previously said she experienced a “medical emergency” on set.
It happened several years ago, when a makeup artist noticed something while looking at Brenda’s face. Brenda said she had been struck by Bell’s Palsy, a condition causing sudden weakness or paralysis of facial muscles.
This revelation came during a media interaction at a special screening event in London, where Brenda and Vera author Ann Cleeves were present. Brenda said: “I was dealt with immediately by a doctor and taken to hospital. We found out it was caused by an ear infection.”
Reflecting on her decision to leave Vera, Brenda said: “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. 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.
“And when you consider I was already thinking about packing work in when I was offered the job back in 2010, 14 series of working on Vera is pretty good going.”