Vera’s Brenda Blethyn ‘overcame imposter syndrome’ while working on the show

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Brenda Blethyn recently left her iconic role of DCI Vera Stanhope after an incredible 14 years.

The popular ITV drama Vera, based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, ran for 14 seasons and attracted up to 9 million viewers. The show recently concluded with a heartfelt finale, as detective Vera Stanhope decided to retire after successfully solving one last case.

Blythen shared, “I really enjoyed the work. I was proud of what I did and felt completely in control of the character.”

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I struggle with feelings of self-doubt, sometimes wondering if I deserve my accomplishments. However, working with Vera helped me push past those feelings because I felt confident in my ability to handle things.

The actress revealed last year that she would be stepping down from the role. She admitted it was a difficult choice and that she anticipates feeling emotional around March, when she would typically be preparing to return.

Despite enjoying everything I was doing, I realized I hadn’t spent a summer with my family in fourteen years, and they needed me home.

I couldn’t help but watch another episode, but ultimately, I knew it was time to stop.

Blethyn also opened up about her home life with husband Michael Mayhew.

She’s known the art director since 1975 and they eventually married in 2010. Surprisingly, she credits the strength of their marriage to the fact that they don’t live in the same house.

The 79-year-old revealed that the pair live in the same building, but in different flats.

She told The Telegraph that her husband lives on the floor above her. They recently moved into a pleasant flat in Ramsgate, and she described a recurring disagreement: she would ask to open a window because she was hot, but he would insist it was cold.

After some time, I asked if the apartment on the ground floor was still available. I moved there, and it’s been wonderful. We share meals, go out, and generally live as a family, but we each have our own separate living spaces.

She described her relationship as ‘Living Apart Together,’ explaining that it has a lot of benefits. She particularly enjoys having her own space and the freedom to make her own choices, like what music or shows to enjoy, and who to invite over.

Today, I needed to go out, so I left my dog, Jack, with Michael upstairs.

Vera seasons one to three are streaming now on Disney+.

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2025-10-27 23:19