Latest news with #BrendaBlethyn
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brenda Blethyn is unrecognisable in new thriller Dragonfly - as she ditches Vera's signature red hair and trenchcoat for VERY different look
Brenda Blethyn looked almost unrecognisable in the upcoming movie, Dragonfly, which is set to be shown at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August. In the new movie, the actress, 79, looks worlds away from her iconic Vera role as she ditched the character's signature red hairdo and trenchcoat for short grey locks and a more laidback fit. The drama tells the story of a woman named Colleen (Andrea Riseborough) who takes over the care for her elderly neighbour Elise (Brenda). She believes the professionals aren't doing a good enough job, but could it be that Colleen has a hidden agenda? Or are those around them judging her without knowing the facts? The synopsis for Dragonfly reads: 'Disgusted with the state of care that her elderly neighbor Elsie is receiving, Colleen offers to help for free. 'Over tea and through trying moments, the pair become trusted confidants despite their differences. 'But Colleen's intentions may not be exactly as they seem. As suspicions grow, a shocking act triggers a violent chain reaction that threatens to irreparably alter the lives of both women.' The upcoming movie also stars Jason Watkins as John, Sandra Huggett as Mary, and Lolly Jones as Jane. Following positive reviews from critics at Tribeca, the thriller already boasts an impressive 92% approval rating. Since stepping down from her role as DCI Vera Stanhope, the star has taken on several exciting TV projects, including the upcoming historical comedy, Fools. The actress's latest venture, which was directed by Paul Andrew Williams, was described by The Guardian as a 'stark, fierce and wonderfully acted film'. The Film Stage shared: 'Williams and his brilliant cast create a film that is equal-parts tender and shocking, turning horror tropes on their head.' Fans were left feeling devastated when ITV announced last year that the popular detective drama would end in 2025, after a successful 14-year run (pictured Kenneth Colley, Rebecca Benson, Matilda Ziegler, Brenda, and David in 2013) Meanwhile, NYC Movie Guru described Brenda's performance as worthy of an award. They said: 'What begins as a slow-burning and tender drama with shades of Mike Leigh turns into a dark and gripping Hitchcockian thriller. 'Brenda Blethyn and Andrea Riseborough give powerful and Oscar-worthy performances that ground the film in raw authenticity.' Her latest role comes nearly a year after Brenda was seen in Newcastle, filming her final scenes for Vera. Fans were left feeling devastated when ITV announced last year that the popular detective drama would end in 2025, after a successful 14-year run. Dragonfly will be shown at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August.
Wales Online
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Brenda Blethyn's 'gripping' new thriller confirms UK screening and its not far away
Brenda Blethyn's 'gripping' new thriller confirms UK screening and its not far away Vera star Brenda Blethyn stars alongside Andrea Riseborough and Jason Watkins in new film Dragonfly which will be first screened in the UK at Edinburgh International Film Festival Brenda Blethyn's new thriller has confirmed it's first UK screening and fans don't have long to wait (Image:for the NTA's ) Brenda Blethyn's new thriller has confirmed it's first UK screening and fans don't have long to wait. Dragonfly will be shown at the Edinburgh International Film Festival which runs from August 14 to 20. It will be screened on the Saturday, Monday and Tuesday at the event following it's world premiere at The Tribeca Film Festival last month. The film follows a woman named Colleen who takes it upon herself to look after her elderly neighbours Elise, as she believes the professionals aren't doing a good enough job but does Colleen have an ulterior motive or are the people around them just mistrusting for no reason? Brenda stars alongside Andrea Riseborough and Jason Watkins and following the positive reviews from critics who saw the film at Tribeca, it an gained an excellent 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Hearts broke across the nation when it was announced by ITV in spring 2024 that Vera would be coming to an end this year (Image: ITV ) Article continues below It comes after the actress was spotted out and about in Newcastle almost a year to the day that she filmed her last ever scenes for Vera Hearts broke across the nation when it was announced by ITV in spring 2024 that the popular drama would be coming to an end this year after 14 years of being one of the biggest crime dramas on British TV. Brenda has lined up a number of exciting TV projects since stepping down as iconic detective, DCI Vera Stanhope and among them is upcoming historical comedy, Fools. The TV icon stars alongside Karen Gillan and Jim Broadbent in the upcoming film, which explores the little-known story of Mary Tudor's friendship with her female court jester. Brenda has lined up a number of exciting TV projects since stepping down as iconic detective, DCI Vera Stanhope Fools is set in 1553 in the aftermath of Henry VIII's death, the period comedy follows England's first Queen, Mary I, as she takes the throne in the midst of a country on the brink of chaos, reports Hello! A synopsis from Variety reads: "While the ambitious Cardinal Pole plots to secure control, he overlooks a humble court jester, Jane Foole. "The pious and apparently humourless queen finds Jane's brilliant slapstick routines uproariously funny. "They strike up a genuine friendship, the comedy lightening Mary's mood in the darkest of times, and helping fend off Pole's murderous manipulation but can Jane's comedy save a nation from civil war?" Article continues below Dragonfly will be screened at the Edinburgh International Film Festival next month
Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Vera confirms Brenda Blethyn's unexpected return to screens after exit
Vera star Brenda Blethyn will be making an unexpected return to screens on Sunday night Fans of ITV's hit drama Vera can look forward to a Sunday night treat as Brenda Blethyn makes an unexpected return when the series airs a repeat. The second episode of Vera's twelfth series will be showcased on ITV at 8pm, with viewers set to reunite with Brenda's character, DCI Stanhope, and her right-hand man, Aiden Healy, played by Kenny Doughty. The storyline for this instalment centres on Lance Corporal Conn Burns, who has struggled to adjust to civilian life and ended up destitute on the streets of Newcastle, but who is determined to turn his fortunes around. According to the episode synopsis: "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." It continues: "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," reports Wales Online. As the tale unfolds, DCI Stanhope is brought into the investigation following the shocking discovery of Burns' body, which leads to revelations of secrets from his past and current betrayals. Brenda acknowledged earlier in the year that she was ready to retire her iconic hat and coat for good. While acknowledging how hard it was to step away, Brenda shared her desire to reduce time spent apart from her loved ones. Speaking at a Q&A, she disclosed: "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. "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 yea,r so there will be lots of jobs available." She continued: "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." Brenda's exit was not the only one to tug at viewers' heartstrings, as Kenny Doughty announced his own departure from the series in 2023. In the fifth instalment of the ITV drama, Aiden stepped in to fill the shoes left by Vera's original partner, Joe Ashworth (David Leon). Yet, come spring 2023, he shared his "difficult decision" to depart. His heartfelt thanks were shared on Instagram: "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 ended his touching tribute by expressing gratitude to the show's loyal following, saying: "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." After Kenny Doughty's exit, David Leon reprised his role as Joe on Vera until the series concluded. Vera airs at 8pm on Sunday on ITV.
Wales Online
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Vera's Brenda Blethyn makes unexpected return to screens with co-star
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. 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. "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 ) Article continues below This Morning host fights tears as Grenfell survivor speaks on losing unborn baby READ MORE: 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. "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." 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 ) 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. Article continues below Vera is available to watch on ITVX.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Film crews spotted for Woman of Substance remake
Crews filming a TV series based on Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman of Substance have been spotted across Yorkshire. The new eight-part remake comes 40 years after a 1985 adaptation became the most-watched programme in Channel 4's history. Production teams have recently been seen recording at Barnsley Town Hall, Ilkley Moor and Brodsworth Hall and Gardens near Doncaster. Taylor Bradford's 1979 novel has sold 30 million copies, with a memorial service to the novelist held in London on Thursday. Brenda Blethyn, Jessica Reynolds, Lenny Rush and Will Mellor star in the latest adaptation, with the series written by Katherine Jakeways and Roanne Bardsley. Lisa Brambani saw a "mass of caravans and cars" on Ilkley Moor while out for a morning run in May. "As I approached I was asked to wait a few minutes as they were shooting a scene up on the rocks," she said. "I have never seen the film but I remember reading the book." She added: "I have always been a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, her being a Yorkshire lass." A Woman of Substance follows the life of Emma Harte, a business woman who works her way up from poverty in Leeds to riches in New York. Barnsley councillor Robin Franklin said he hoped the filming would showcase the town's "amazing buildings and heritage". "We're really pleased to welcome the production company to Barnsley Town Hall," he said. "It's another great opportunity to put Barnsley on the national stage." According to the Local Democracy Service, film crews arrived in Barnsley at the start of June and recently completed recording the scenes. The 1985 series was also filmed in Yorkshire and featured locations including Brimham Rocks and Yorkshire Dales villages Aysgarth and Middleham. Taylor Bradford was born in Armley, Leeds, and died aged 91 in November. The memorial service for Taylor Bradford took place at St Bride's Church in Fleet Street, with attendees including barrister Cherie Blair, TV presenter Fern Britton and journalist Eve Pollard. Jakeways said it was an "incredible thrill" to bring back the "inspirational" TV series. "I was a child in the 1980s, when A Woman of Substance was on every bookstand, every glass-topped coffee table and hidden, well-thumbed, under every pillow. "The original Channel 4 adaptation was packed full of rolling Yorkshire hills, hairspray, shoulder pads and heaving bosoms and I desperately wanted in." The new series is produced by The Forge Entertainment and will air on Channel 4 next year. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North 28 Years Later cast and crew film in Yorkshire Film crews in city centre for 'milestone' thriller Full Monty film crew descend on housing estate
