ITV favourite Vera has been a beloved fixture on TV screens since it began in 2011, with its captivating blend of intriguing storylines and heart-warming drama soon coming to a poignant close.

As Brenda Blethyn prepares to bid farewell to her iconic on-screen alter ego this month, she has reflected fondly on her incredible 13-year journey. While Brenda may have been the face of the popular series, she wasn’t the only mainstay as many crew members have also been integral to its enduring success.

As she lavished praise on the Vera crew, Brenda highlighted their unrelenting dedication and enthusiasm, having worked tirelessly behind the scenes since the show’s early days. She commented: “A number of the crew have worked on Vera since the very start along with some of the supporting artistes. They were all very loyal. There was never an ego in sight.

“Everyone was skilled at their job and happy to be doing it. And they were nice people. So it really was a pleasure. People just couldn’t do enough for you. Nobody was complaining. And they work so hard, the crew.”

“I hadn’t even noticed security following me. Looking after me. They’re making sure no harm came to me as I walk out into the crowd.’ Without being in my face. Such a skill.”

Moreover, Brenda acknowledged the significant job opportunities Vera has created over the years and confessed that this played a part in her decision-making about whether or not to carry on filming each year, reports Chronicle Live.

The actress opened up about her decision to leave the show, imparting: “Nobody imposed that on me. I was simply aware of it. And I knew everyone wanted to continue. I really enjoyed working on Vera and I’m not sure I’ve made the right decision even now!”

However, family remains at the heart of her choice, the actress commented: “But, I do want to spend time with my family. That’s the overriding factor in my decision-making.

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“I’m comforted by the fact that many of the crew live locally in the North East and, hopefully, there are lots of other jobs for them up there. Including the proposed Crown Works Studios in Sunderland which aims to create some 8000 jobs.”

Vera approaches its poignant conclusion with a last series consisting of two two-hour instalments, set to grace screens at January’s outset. The premiere episode, titled Inside, promises to challenge Vera with a pivotal life decision amidst tackling dual cases.

The finale is shrouded in mystery, bearing the title The Dark Wives, and teases: “A student violently killed and dumped at the foot of three mythical monoliths and a missing girl sets Vera on an investigation that triggers memories from her own childhood.”

Vera is available to watch on ITVX.