BRENDA Blethyn has addressed a potential Vera spin-off ahead of her final ever episodes this January.

The Bafta-winning actress has quit the long-running ITV drama after 14 years playing legendary DI Vera Stanhope.

2

Brenda Blethyn has finally addressed rumours of a Vera spin-off seriesCredit: Splash News

The 78-year-old is officially bowing out as Vera Stanhope after 14 yearsCredit: ITV
Over the course of two movie-length episodes fans will see Vera bow out of her role.

But despite appetite and rumours of a spin-off series, Brenda is firmly closing the door on the character.

Speaking to The Sun about any potential prequel, the 78-year-old said: “Not that I’m aware of. No, I’ve not heard any.

“People sometimes say is there going to be a prequel? Personally, I don’t think they ever work.

more on vera

Brenda Blethyn reveals hospital dash after medical emergency on set of Vera

Vera’s Brenda Blethyn reveals real reason she quit hit ITV drama after 14 years

“That’s not to say I don’t like Endeavour. I do, and I love Morse, and I loved Endeavour, but I saw no connection between the two. It was just an excuse to make a… a period set piece, which I liked, but it had nothing to do with Morse as far as I could tell.”

She added: “Same with Jane Tennison. They did a prequel that didn’t work at all.”

Brenda previously told The Sun she decided to hang up her hat and mac to spend time with her family.

She explained: “As much as I loved all that, I’ve got a family at home and I realised I hadn’t had a summer for 14 years with my family.

Most read in Drama

SAD END

The Split fans in floods of tears and beg BBC bosses after series’ dramatic end

PORT OF CALL

Gavin & Stacey fans fume as they notice big plot hole in finale

shelly’s show

Michelle Keegan’s TV return revealed after actress announces her pregnancy

toad-ally bonkers

Call the Midwife’s Stephen McGann reveals he learned about sex with FROGS

“So I still did another series because I couldn’t drag myself away.

Vera’s Brenda Blethyn confirms she’s already landed her next role after quitting ITV drama
“But anyway it was time, that’s all.”

Brenda’s final episodes will air on January 1 and 2 at 8pm, with a factual special, Vera: Farewell Pet to follow on January 3 at 9pm.

All three episodes will air on ITV1 and later, streaming service ITVX.

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