Yahoo News Vera's Brenda Blethyn issues update on final series as filming set to start
Filming for the final series of ITV's Vera is set to begin 'in days', according to an update from lead actress Brenda Blethyn. Fans were saddened by the news that the show will conclude next year after a 14-year run, but they may have the opportunity to see some of the cast in action in the coming weeks.
The announcement that the upcoming 14th series would be the last came as a shock to viewers of the popular ITV drama this week. BAFTA winner Brenda will don her character's iconic fishing hat one last time.
Brenda herself addressed Vera's future in a statement released by ITV, saying: "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.
"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."
Following substantial online buzz hinting at when filming for Vera series 14 will begin, Brenda Blethyn herself confirmed that production will recommence next week. In her first social media post since the announcement of Vera's end, she expressed: "Many thanks to everyone for your good wishes. so very much appreciated. getting ready to start filming Series 14 of Vera next week. gonna be hard saying farewell."
Over the past few weeks, several calls for extras for Vera have circulated on online platforms, with a particular focus on young actors and those keen to portray Northumberland and City Police PCs. Filming for the previous series in the last year brought the cast across a broad swathe of the North East, extending as far south as Yorkshire.
Over the last decade, Vera has filmed across several popular spots around the North-east and Teesside, including Redcar and Hartlepool.
READ MORE: Brenda Blethyn poses for snaps with smiling Teesside fans as Vera filming continues outside chippy
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