Vera's Brenda Blethyn delivers emotional statement as she quits role and ITV confirm final series

Brenda Blethyn has told fans she is 'sad' to be leaving her leading role in Vera, as it was announced that the smash hit drama will be coming to an end after 14 series.

When Vera aired its pilot episode back in 2011, no-one could have foreseen what was going to happen, with it running and running for over a decade, audiences in the UK peaking at over 8 million and the show going onto have worldwide popularity. But now, as production gets set to be begin on its 14th series, it has been confirmed by ITV that Vera will end next year, as Brenda and her co-stars film two last feature length episodes.

Already a well establishes star, Oscar nominee and BAFTA winner before pulling on TV alias DCI Stanhope's famous trench coat and fishing hat combo for the first time, Brenda, now 78, has released an emotional statement as she prepares to say farewell to her legendary character.

READ MORE: ITV Vera to end after 14 series as Brenda Blethyn confirms exit as famous detective

Get all the latest TV and showbiz news and gossip from Chronicle Live with our free newsletter..

In a statement released by ITV, the acclaimed actress said: "Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and I’m sad to be saying Cheerio. But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen years.

Brenda continued: "I’ll be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role. The producers, dream cast and crew have been fabulous and I’m going to miss them, but I won’t forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the North East and our fans worldwide. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”