Brenda Blethyn breaks silence after Vera finale to thank fans – after revealing why she didn’t want TV detective to die

BRENDA Blethyn has broken her silence following Vera’s emotional finale – after revealing why she didn’t want the TV detective die.

Oscar nominee Brenda, 78, starred in the ITV crime drama from 2011 until its recent conclusion.

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The final episode concluded with Vera turning down a promotion – allowing protegé Joe Ashworth (David Leon) to “spread his wings” as her replacement.

Since then, Brenda took to social media and shared a poignant message to the show’s audience.

Writing on X, she penned: “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent such warm messages about the wining up of VERA.

“I loved every minute of working on the series and will miss it.

“The warmth and generosity of fans worldwide made it even more special.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Brenda x.”

Grateful viewers soon flooded the comments, as one responded: “I will miss it and you very much.

“I wish you and your family many blessings in the future.

“Thank you for all the years of Vera, and your talent.”

Another added: “Thank you SO MUCH for all the years of enjoyment. I’m a Yank & even I’ve said to people ‘Now, pet…’ I hope Vera enjoys retirement!”

While a third chimed in: “Greatly missed but thank you for so many years!”

It comes as Brenda previously opened up about why she didn’t want the much-loved detective to die.

Speaking in documentary Vera: Farewell Pet, she shared: “I didn’t want Vera killed off.

“Because I’d suspected she’d be living on in the books.”

Continuing, Brenda added: “She’s a sensible woman, Vera, she knows when it’s time to call it a day.

Vera's cast over the last 14 years

Since its launch back in 2011 Vera has gripped ITV viewers with its crime stories - and dozens of actors have appeared in the show, including:

• Brenda Blethyn
• David Leon
• Jon Morrison
• Riley Jones
• Wunmi Mosaku
• Paul Ritter
• Cush Jumbo
• Sonya Cassidy
• Clare Calbraith
• Kingsley Ben-Adir
• Kenny Doughty
• Lisa Hammond
• Noof McEwan
• Christopher Colquhoun
• Steve Evets
• Ibinabo Jack
• Paul Kaye
• Sarah Kameela
• Rhiannon Clements

“In the same way Brenda Blethyn knows to call it a day. You just sense when the time is right.”

Addressing the character’s ending, the star said: “The final scenes were very emotional.

“One of them when she’s backing out of the office, I could’ve cried.”

Past episodes of Vera and the documentary Farewell Pet are available to watch on ITVX.

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