Vera's Brenda Blethyn 'didn't want to do more seasons' after Kenny Doughty's exit

Virgin Radio

13 Feb 2024, 15:15

Vera star Brenda Blethyn has revealed she almost quit the ITV crime series after longtime co-star Kenny Doughty left. 

Brenda has starred as DCI Vera Stanhope since the police drama’s inception in 2011, with Doughty’s DS Aiden Healy by her side from series five onwards. 

However, Kenny left the show after nine years during series 13, which has just come to an end on ITV, but in his place was the return of DS Joe Ashworth, played by David Leon. He had previously starred as the crime-fighting character from series one until series four. 

For Brenda, the change of personnel was almost too much to bear, and during an exclusive chat with virginradio.co.uk at the TV Choice Awards yesterday (13th February) she confessed it was almost game over for the Northumbria police team.

When discussing Kenny’s exit, the Oscar-nominated actor admitted she’d “never laughed so much in my entire life” working with the actor. 

“He’s a mate,” she continued. “We just love working together.”

Being close to Kenny almost meant Brenda’s future on the series was in jeopardy, as she confessed: “I didn't think I wanted to do any more… unless they could get David Leon back. 

“David came back on board and we're having a lot of fun. I think he's fabulous.”

That titbit will no doubt leave Vera fans thrilled as there will indeed be a series 14 in the works. 

Vera’s next mysteries will take place over the course of two feature length episodes, filming for which will be taking place in spring 2024. The two episodes are expected to air in 2025.