Vera
Brenda Blethyn talks TV Times through series nine and reveals how Vera’s hat has boosted the North East’s economy
Sunday / ITV She’s one of the nation’s finest, most cherished actors and a formidable screen presence to boot, but we’re happy to report that Brenda Blethyn is also one of the friendliest interviewees in telly. We chat to her about detective Vera Stanhope’s four chilling new cases and confidently suggest that Vera’s the best detective in a scruffy mac since Columbo! see page 12
If we keep going I’ll have to come out with a Zimmer frame
Brenda Blethyn
Brenda Blethyn is delighted to be back in DCI Vera Stanhope’s trusty raincoat and trademark fishing hat as her unconventional copper returns to solve more gruesome murders in the windswept moors of Northumberland this week.
Abrupt, no-nonsense and rarely cracking a smile, Vera is a world away from Brenda, who, when TV Times arrives at ITV’S London HQ to meet her in the run up to Christmas, is busy giggling with her co-star Kenny Doughty (DS Aiden Healy) as they chat about a panto they’re hoping to see.
Here, Brenda, who looks at least a decade younger than her 72 years and is dressed in stylish leopard print, reveals what awaits the North East’s answer to
Miss Marple in series nine…
Tell us about
Vera’s opening case, Blind Spot… Vera and Aiden have to investigate the murder of a trainee forensic psychologist, whose body has been found dumped on a landfill site. It was a hot Summer’s day when we filmed it – the stench of methane was disgusting! Peter Davison guest stars in it. There is a new pathologist working with Vera this series, Dr Malcolm Donahue, played by Paul Kaye…
Yes, Paul himself is gold dust; he’s terrific and such a joy to work with. I remember when he used to be comedy character Dennis Pennis – he used to frighten the living daylights out of me. That was around the time I was doing a lot of red-carpet events and I thought, ‘I really hope I don’t come across him!’ But Paul couldn’t be more different from Dennis Pennis – they’re chalk and cheese!
How do Vera and Dr Malcolm get on? They tolerate each other to get the job done but he’s got no time for her. When Vera finds out she has to work with him she’s almost rolling her eyes because he’s such a miserable git! He’s got his own agenda and sticks to the rules, unlike her. Vera has had banter with all the previous pathologists, but with Malcolm it’s very different, so it’s a nice new dynamic.
What is it you like about Vera?
I love the way she doesn’t beat about the bush, she calls a spade a spade, and she’s fair. It’s such an enjoyable job because we all get on so well. Not only Kenny and I, but the whole crew. Even the supporting artists are loyal and come back year after year.
You also have a lot of first-time young actors appearing in the series. Do they get nervous on set? Yes, because they might have only seen Vera on the telly so they think she’s this monstrous, scary woman. Kenny and I always make it our mission to make people laugh and get rid of any nerves. It could be anything, such as me doing a funny walk – anything that breaks the ice, really. People need to know we’re not scary and it’s fine if they go wrong!
Did your cockapoo dog, Jack, make it into any scenes this series?
No, although if you look closely at DC Mark Edwards’ desk, there’s a photograph of Jack on it! Vera’s not the sort of person to attach herself to a dog. She’d treat a dog in the same way she treats everyone: ‘Go on! Clear off!’
The North East has really embraced Vera – there’s even a stall in Newcastle selling her headwear!
I take my hat off to that! They told me they do a roaring trade. Once when I stopped to chat, a couple stopped at the stall and explained they’d come to Newcastle for their anniversary as they’d met at Newcastle university and they were hoping to see some
Vera locations. They nearly fainted when they saw me standing there next to them at the same stall!
If there were ever to be a final series of Vera, do you think your character would bow out with a big finale?
I don’t think they’re looking at making a final series yet. If we keep going I’ll have to come out with a Zimmer frame, or Vera could go round on a mobility scooter. She’d have to jack in the Land Rover, though!
IS PREVIEWED on PAGES 44-45