What scares me? Senility, says Vera star
ACTRESS Brenda Blethyn has revealed she is petrified of losing her career to senility.
In one of her most candid interviews, the 72-year-old star of ITV detective drama Vera spoke of her worries over diminishing physical and mental health that often comes with old age.
She said: “One of my greatest fears now is losing my independence. I am married [to National Theatre art director Michael Mayhew] so I don’t mean it like that, but it’s more do to with the fact I might not physically or mentally be able to work.
“I would hate not being able to handle my own affairs or take care of people who might need me.”
However, the Oscarnominated actress, who admits that like her character Vera, she rarely looks in the mirror, says she is fighting to ensure her fearful thoughts do not get the better of her.
“I am one of those people who copes. It’s how I have been brought up,” she said.
Brenda now looks to unlikely sources of inspiration, saying: “[Singer] Sam Smith used to be a little porker and he looks a picture of health now.
“I keep seeing pictures of people who were very unfit and are now looking terrific.
“I have put on a fair bit of weight and my aim in 2018 is to lose a stone. Playing Vera means I can wear oversized clothes but the temptation is always there to eat a pie when you are on set.
“Believe it or not, 10 years ago I was running marathons. I ran three in total, but I noticed the wear and tear on my knees and I had to stop.”
The 5ft 2in actress, who insists her diminutive height means she looks wider than she actually is, also tries to keep fit by taking her beloved dog Jack for long walks.
Brenda also revealed she rejected Roman Catholicism.
“My personal motto has always been, ‘Is it right to do that? Just live by the right rules and don’t be greedy’,” she said.
“Does it come from my Roman Catholic background? Not really because the more I think of Catholicism, I’m not fond of it.
“I think it’s due in part to Islam and all the terrible things that have happened because of that and it makes you question other faiths.”
Vera can be seen on ITV1 on Sunday.