Since its debut in 2011, Vera has become a mainstay of ITV, earning a substantial and devoted viewership. Yet the upcoming month brings the curtain down as Brenda Blethyn’s final appearance as the crime-solving stalwart in Northumberland is set to air.
DI Joe Ashworth (portrayed by David Leon) rejoins Vera, resuming his role last year. In anticipation of the concluding instalment, Brenda Blethyn shared insights into the dynamic between Vera and Joe as they feature together one last time.
Commenting on her role, she said: “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.
Vera’s Brenda Blethyn speaks out on ‘history’ with co-star ahead of final series
(Image: ITV)
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“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.”
The actress also reflected on the deep-rooted connection between the two characters, dating back to the initial episodes. She elaborated: “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.
“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 Leon reprised his role as Joe Ashworth last year after leaving Vera in 2014
(Image: ITV)
David’s character had been an integral part of the ITV show since its inception in 2011, before departing in 2014. His exit was never depicted on screen; rather, viewers were told that he relocated to London with his family, reports Chronicle Live.
Following Joe Ashworth’s exit in 2014, he was replaced by Aiden Healy, portrayed by Kenny Doughty, whom Brenda spoke highly of, adding: “I also loved working with Kenny Doughty who played Aiden Healy after David left.”
“He joined on Series five and luckily stayed for eight series. We were buddies. And now David’s welcome return has allowed the writer to explore the full arc of Vera and Joe’s story.”
Vera is set to end in January after 13 years on-air
(Image: ITV)
The first installment of the final series, airing on January 1, will centre around Vera pondering a life-altering choice while working on two cases.
A brief summary reveals: “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.”
Vera is available to watch on ITVX.