Brenda Blethyn has revealed the real reason why she won't be returning to play DCI Vera Stanhope in a series 15 of the detective drama.

She revealed in early 2014 that series 14 of Vera on ITV1 and ITVX would be her last - leaving millions of fans feeling rather sad.

So why has the actress Brenda Blethyn decided she won't be back as Vera in the future? What has she said about leaving the role, and what will she miss? Here's everything you need to know about Brenda's decision.

Series 14 of Vera is Brenda Blethyn's last

In April 2024, after months if not years of speculation, Brenda Blethyn finally announced she was saying "cheerio" to her character Vera after series 14.

In a statement issued at the time by Brenda and ITV, the actress revealed her intention to hang up Vera's infamous trench coat and hat after filming series 14 in the North East.

Brenda, 78, said at the time: "Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and I'm sad to be saying cheerio. But I am so proud of our achievements over the last 14 years.

"I'll be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role. The producers, dream cast and crew have been fabulous and I'm going to miss them, but I won't forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the north east and our fans worldwide. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Why has Brenda Blethyn left Vera?

Kent-born Brenda explained why Vera series 14 would be her last and why. In the press pack, she 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."

She added: "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.

"I wasn't actually going to do any more after series 13, but of course ITV said they needed to wind the series up. So I said, 'Oh go on then, I'll do a couple more episodes."

Brenda Blethyn kept Vera mementoes...

Veteran actress Brenda, who has been on our screens for more than four decades, has revealed that she wouldn't be parted from Vera's iconic hat and coat.

She revealed: "I've got Vera's mac and hat. I've also got one of her coats. They might come in handy if and when I turn up at a charity fundraiser.

"The producers also presented me a Montblanc pen because they know I'm an avid crossword puzzler."

Brenda also revealed that the wrap party was held at Newcastle United's football ground St James' Park. She explained: "Oh boy, that was an emotional evening. For a start, just to be at St James' Park with the floodlights on when there's nobody there. It looks so vast.

"And here was the Vera team enjoying themselves in the bar. We had a great big cake shaped like Vera's Landy. It was lovely. Everyone having a good time. And so nice that Ann Cleeves was there. Then once I got on the train home, crossing the Tyne and leaving Newcastle behind, it hit me. I was rather emotional."

What is Brenda Blethyn doing next after Vera?

Since finishing Vera in July, Brenda has already completed a film written and directed by Paul Andrew Williams.

She explains: "I had no intention of embarking on something else so soon. But the filming in Yorkshire with Paul and co-starring Andrea Riseborough was imminent and irresistible.

"Apparently another actress had dropped out for personal reasons and they needed someone to replace her right away. So in the spirit of helping out I said, 'Oh, let's have a read of it.' And I liked it."

Brenda also insisted that she is not retiring. She added: "Maybe semi-retired. I don't want to be doing jobs which means going away for long periods of time. I've done that for the last 14 years. But, there again, never say never.

What is replacing Vera on ITV?

After the final episodes of the detective drama air on ITV on Wednesday, January 01, and Thursday, January 02, 2025, fans will always have a Vera-shaped hole in their hearts.

However, the week after will see Robson Green return in Grantchester series 9. The latest series of Grantchester will land on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, and continue for eight weeks.

The 9th series sees lead actor Tom Brittney leave the show and his character, Reverend Will Davenport, behind. Hollyoaks actor Rishi Nair will subsequently arrive in the vilage as the charismatic vicar, Alphy Kottaram.

Vera series 14 airs on ITV1 and STV at 8pm on January 1 and 2, 2024.