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Brenda Blethyn reveals she would return to beloved Vera role: "In a drop of her bucket hat"

"It was a wonderful job."

Brenda Blethyn as Vera. She is wearing a brown trench coat and has her hands in her pockets as she looks ahead. She is stood in front in a truck.

ITV

Published: Friday, 14 August 2026 at 10:15 am

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It's been a year and a half since beloved ITV crime drama Vera finally came to an end, with Brenda Blethyn saying goodbye to the character she had played since 2011.

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However, the star has now revealed that she would be more than happy to return to the role, giving fans hope that they could still see DCI Stanhope once more.

Speaking with Woman's Day, Blethyn was asked whether she would ever play Vera again, to which she said: "In a drop of her bucket hat. Yes, if they did a special or something, of course I would. It was a wonderful job."

Blethyn also revealed that she has another project in the works which has yet to be confirmed, and reasserted that she hasn't retired.

The cast of Vera gathered by a river

Vera. SILVERPRINT PICTURES FOR ITV

This isn't the first time Blethyn has expressed interest in returning to Vera. Back in November she said she thought it was unlikely as they have "got rid of the set", but that "if they were doing a special, certainly, yeah, I'd leap at it".

Vera's final episode, The Dark Wives aired on 2 January 2025, with a farewell documentary airing the following day.

Regardless of Blethyn's new mystery project and any potential Vera return, she will be seen back on our screens in future, as her series A Woman of Substance was recently officially renewed.

She will be reprising the role of Emma Harte, as will Jessica Reynolds, with the duo playing the character across two timelines in the Channel 4 drama.

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When the renewal was first confirmed, writers Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley said in a statement: "We couldn’t be more delighted to be back with our beloved Emma Harte. The higher she climbs, the greater the risks, and we're looking forward to more of everything we adore – heart-soaring romance, gut-wrenching loss, and of course, delicious revenge."

Vera is available to watch on ITVX.

You can also purchase instalments from any series on Amazon Prime Video. You can buy the first of Ann Cleeves's Vera novels now.

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To find out what else is on, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our dedicated Drama hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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