Fans of long-running ITV detective series Vera were devastated when Brenda Blethyn hung up her mac and hat, and the show came to an end after 14 incredible seasons in 2025.
The actress had perfectly inhabited the role of the iconic Vera Stanhope, but insisted that it was time to step away from the role to focus on her home life and other projects.
However, after appearing with author of the original book series Ann Cleeves at the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Brenda appeared to offer a spark of hope that she could one day reprise the role of the beloved detective.
Ann Cleeves also shared that she has finished the final novel in the Vera Stanhope series, revealing that it will be released next year. The author also confirmed whether the detective lives or dies during the final outing.
In conversation with the Sunday Express before their appearance at the literary event, Ann says, "I haven't killed her. I can tell you, I haven't killed her." This news will no doubt induce sighs of relief in fans everywhere.
While Brenda cannot commit to filming the show for a another full series, she does hint that a return to Vera could be on the cards in another form.
"I wish they'd do a special or something," she shares, adding, "It would be lovely to get that hat and mac back on again. One more time will be great." We'll be watching this space.
Brenda also spoke about being shocked when she was first offered the role of the straight-talking detective. "To be a woman in charge of a team of men, I wouldn't have thought I was the first choice," she shares.
The actress "just loved the character," and was particularly proud to play her because "you wouldn't normally see a woman of her age and her persona being a central character."
This isn't the only way Vera Stanhope broke the mould for female detectives portrayed on TV. Both the cast and viewers found the way she was a "woman of a certain age who didn't actually care what she looked like," a breath of fresh air.
Ann says Vera "didn't need to hold anyone's attention" and the focus was never on her love life or finding a man, which is what happens with many female TV Leads.
"She doesn't need anyone in her life to make her whole and real," the author adds.
There's also a fascinating story behind Vera actually making it from book to screen - which was a perfect coincidence.
The first novel in the series, The Crow Trap, was published in 1999. TV producer Elaine Collins was later heading off on holiday and picked up a copy in a charity shop to read while she was away.
Elaine was looking for a detective series to fill the Sunday evening slot at ITV, and wanted Vera Stanhope to be the person to fill it.
When Brenda was being considered for the role, she was unfamiliar with the books, and "rushed straight out and bought them."
The actress explains of The Crow Trap, "I couldn't put it down. I just loved the character."
All 14 seasons of Vera are available to stream on ITVX.
