Vera's Brenda Blethyn makes unexpected return to screens with co-star

Wales Online

20-06-2025

Vera's Brenda Blethyn makes unexpected return to screens with co-star
Vera fans were left heartbroken when the ITV series came to an end earlier this year
Vera star Brenda Blethyn will unexpectedly return to screens on Sunday night when a repeat of the ITV drama airs.
Episode two of series 12 of Vera will be broadcast on ITV at 8pm, and fans will be thrilled to see Brenda as DCI Stanhope and her sidekick Aiden Healy (Kenny Doughty) back on screens.
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The synopsis for the episode reads: "Adapting to civilian life was not easy for Lance Corporal Conn Burns, and after a series of bad life choices, he found himself desolate, down and out on the streets of Newcastle.
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"Attempting to get his life back on track, Conn had recently been making moves that would see him repay old debts, rebuild relationships, and get him off the streets.
"DCI Stanhope is called in after the body of Burns is discovered, and unearths secrets from his past and betrayal in the present."
Kenny Doughty and Brenda Blethyn
(Image: ITV )
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Earlier this year, Brenda confirmed she would be hanging up her iconic hat and coat for the final time.
While admitting it was a difficult decision, the actress said she wanted to spend less time away from her family.
She explained at a Q&A event in London: "It was a big decision because I love the job, I love the people I was working with and I know they loved it too so it was a little bit of an emotional responsibility as well because if I stop, it's going to stop.
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"I saw on the catering list one day, just on a typical day there were 76 people, so that's all those people. I console myself with the fact that there's a big studio opening in Sunderland next year so there will be lots of jobs available."
Vera will return to screens on Sunday
(Image: ITV )
She added: "I was aware that people who would like to continue on it wouldn't be able to and that made me feel sad but as much as I like my Newcastle family, I have a family at home and I hadn't had a summer for 14 years and I thought, 'Bren, go and have a summer. Go home'. So it was a difficult decision."
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Brenda's departure wasn't the only one to leave fans heartbroken, as Kenny Doughty confirmed he was leaving the series in 2023.
In the fifth series of the ITV drama, Aiden initially replaced Vera's original sidekick, Joe Ashworth (David Leon).
Aiden Healy left Vera in 2023
(Image: ITV )
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However, in spring 2023, he confirmed his "difficult decision" to leave. On Instagram, he expressed his gratitude, saying: "I want to thank everyone who's made this amazing time so joyous, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew BUT of course my buddy and inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading star who I owe so much to. I feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me howl with laughter and have been a rock for me over the years. I can't thank you enough. Precious times."
He concluded his heartfelt message with a nod to the show's dedicated audience: "And finally, the Vera fans: without you and your support, I would never have made so many films. You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you so much for your loyalty and love for the show."
David Leon returned to Vera following Kenny's departure to play Joe until the series came to an end.
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Vera is available to watch on ITVX.