‘Vera wouldn’t be mates with me’
Actress Brenda Blethyn talks about family life, hard graft and her much-loved detective role
As Brenda Blethyn returns in a compelling new series of Vera, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk to her. “It never gets old,” says the actress, who strode on to our screens as DCI Vera Stanhope in the first season of the show in 2011. “Each time it comes back it’s like a stamp of approval. Plus, so many actors have lost their jobs throughout the pandemic – it’s never lost on any of us how lucky we are to be working.”
Despite her OBE, two Academy Award nominations and a Golden Globe for Best Actress, the 75-year-old remains modest and down-to-earth, and is delighted to be reunited with colleagues Kenny Doughty (Aiden Healy), Jon Morrison (Kenny Lockhart) and Riley Jones (Mark Edwards).
Here, she offers an insight into what we can expect in series 11 and mulls over the prospect of Vera hanging up her trademark hat at some point...
Hi, Brenda. How does it feel to be back for an 11th series of Vera?
It’s incredible. I feel so privileged to be working on such a fantastic project.
It’s a long time to play one role. Does the show have a special place in your heart?
Not half! It’s a joy. Although I must admit that by the end of filming, I think to myself, “Never again. Burn the mac!” But after a week off, I can’t wait to go back.
Do your family tune in?
My nephew has always watched. When his kids were small they would all watch it together. They said they never got it right – there’s always a twist at the end that keeps the viewer guessing.
Is there anyone, fictional or non-fictional, who you draw inspiration from for the character of Vera?
Ann Cleeves [who wrote the Vera books] loosely based the character on people she got to know after the war –
women who’d lost husbands, sons, fathers and brothers, but who just got on with their lives. They had to get the job done without men. I have a partner, but I’m a bit like that. I’m independent. My mother was a strong woman, too. She wasn’t afraid of a bit of hard graft. Vera is the same.
Are there any other similarities or differences between you and Vera?
I’m resilient and practical like her, but I like to think I’ve got a slightly better dress sense. I also love solving mysteries – always have done. My brother and I still race each other every day doing The Times crossword puzzle.
Are you still learning about the character?
Definitely. Ann Cleeves’ latest book, The Darkest Evening, goes more into Vera’s background. Hopefully, they’ll make it into a Christmas special at some point. It turns out that her father had a privileged background, but he was ostracised from it. Vera never hankers after that lifestyle, though. She doesn’t mourn the lack of luxuries.
She’s definitely one of a kind. She’s not hampered by any kind of romance either…
No, not at all. That’s not to say she’s never had it in her life, but she is happy in her own skin. It’s enviable really.
Do you struggle with that?
Well, I had to do a Zoom reading of an episode and all I was thinking was, “Oh
God, what should I wear?” If I was Vera, I wouldn’t have that problem. She’d just sit down and say what she had to say.
Would you and Vera be friends?
I don’t think she’d want to be mates with me. I think she’d tolerate me after maybe coming to see me in a play. She’s probably got too much going on for that, though. She gets her vitamins from working on a case. Work is her sustenance.
What would it take for her to pack it all in and retire?
There will come a time when she’ll say, “OK, I’m going to slow down and help them out if they’re stuck.” That’d be a good idea, wouldn’t it? Just show up for a couple of days and the rest of the time I can spend walking with my dog on the moors.
Can you see an end to your time on the show?
I’d miss Vera if I wasn’t working on it. I’d miss the camaraderie of the fabulous team of actors and crew.
Was it nice to be back with the regular cast members again?
It was lovely, but difficult. Not being able to hug anyone or invite people into your trailer for a chat and a cuppa made it all feel very strange.
What can you tell us about the guest actors in the latest series?
Historically, we’ve had great young artists coming in, and there are some particularly good ones this time around. Shvorne Marks is a great young actress who you’ll see in episode two. Sian Reese-williams is another guest star who joined us this season.
Did any of them ask you for any tips or advice?
I ask them! We can never assume we know it all. Sure, I bring experience, but you should always be prepared to listen to other people.
What can we expect from the new season?
Lots more exciting stories. The first episode is about a builder who was found at the Collingwood monument. He’s been bashed up and everyone assumes he’s fallen down the steps. There’s more to this than meets the eye. There are lots of moving parts and it’s all a bit dodgy.
How do Vera’s relationships with the regular characters progress?
She notices Aiden behaving rather strangely. It turns out he’s had a bit of a row at home. Nothing too bad, but Vera is going to stick up for his missus. She’s gonna say, “Stop moaning. Who’s looking after the bairns while you’re here moaning?” She sees the situation honestly. He’s there whining and she’s with the baby doing the cooking, the cleaning and managing on her own.
What do people say to you about the show?
Just how much they enjoy it. Some of them send photographs or books for me to sign.
Is there anyone you’d like to see in Vera?
Oh, so many wonderful actors – Tim Spall, Peter Mullen, Ralph Fiennes, and if only Harry Dean Stanton and Helen Mccrory were still with us.
You’ve worked with so many legends during your career. Have you ever been starstruck?
Oh yes, Robert Redford left me so starstruck.
Tell us a bit about your life outside the show.
How have you been?
The last year’s been hard for everyone. My mother-inlaw is 97 and had several floods in her flat during lockdown. Your instinct is to go and help, but of course we couldn’t.
We’ve all had time to spare during the pandemic. How did you spend it?
I like to be busy. I cleared out my kitchen cupboards and did some sewing, and I’ve experimented with cooking, so the freezer is well and truly stocked.
‘I’d miss Vera if I wasn’t working on it’