VERA star Brenda Blethyn has landed a new role that’s worlds away from the hit ITV crime drama.
In April, Brenda, 78, confirmed the show’s upcoming 14th series would be its last.
This Saturday (June 15), the actress will be making a special guest appearance at the Charlotte Strake House Summer Fete.
The charity‘s website reads: “SPECIAL VIP GUEST: Brenda Blethyn, star of the hit TV crime series Vera, will be gracing us with her presence to officially open the festivities!
“We’re thrilled to welcome the renowned actress to our fete – don’t miss this chance to meet the star of Vera and support a fantastic cause.”
The announcement added: “All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the reopened Community Respite Bed at Charlotte Straker House, which offers free-of-charge respite care to those over 65 years of age. FREE ENTRY!
“Don’t miss this chance for a fun-filled day with the whole family, all while supporting a wonderful cause! We can’t wait to see you there!”
Brenda shared an emotional statement while revealing her departure from Vera, having starred as the title character since 2011.
She 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.
“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.”
The actress added: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Previously, Vera viewers were stunned to see show star Brenda filming in their hometown.
She was seen filming alongside co-star David Leon, 43, in Cambois, Northumberland – while Vera’s iconic Land Rover was parked near Blyth beach.
Away from the ITV drama, Brenda has enjoyed an acclaimed career having scooped a Golden Globe, a Bafta and a Cannes Film Festival Award.
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
Brenda’s performance in the 1996 drama film Secrets & Lies, directed by Mike Leigh, earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
Two years later, she received another Oscar nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actress for her work in Little Voice, directed by Mark Herman.
In 2003, Brenda was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama.
Vera will return to ITV for its final series next year.
