Vera star Brenda Blethyn has shared the real reason why she has left the ITV show.
The ITV crime drama is due to wrap up in January after 14 years with two special episodes, as fans say goodbye to much-loved detective Vera Stanhope.
Opening up about her decision to quit the series, Blethyn explained that she wanted to focus more on her family.
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"It was a hard decision and come March when I would normally be getting ready to go back up there, I'll probably be crying," she said (via The Sun).
"As much as I loved all that, I've got a family at home and I realised I hadn't had a summer for 14 years with my family.
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"So I still did another series because I couldn't drag myself away," Blethyn added. "But anyway it was time, that's all."
It comes after Blethyn recently teased what fans can expect from the final two episodes, including "trouble with Detective Inspector Joe Ashworth".
Related: Vera's Brenda Blethyn responds to retirement question
Following the airing of the last episodes on January 1 and 2, a documentary on the show called Vera: Farewell Pet will broadcast on January 3.
The special is set to look at the "enduring appeal" of the series and its "profound impact" on its fans and cast members.
The doc "will capture the extraordinary journey of Vera and its lasting influence on British crime drama – set against the stunning backdrop of Northumberland, where the landscape became a character in its own right, this celebration honours the show's remarkable legacy".
Vera will return at 8pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 on ITV1 and ITVX, while Vera: Farewell Pet is set to air at 9pm on Friday, January 3 on ITV1.
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
