Brenda Blethyn ready to swap couture for bucket hat if Vera returns
Dame Brenda Blethyn has declared she would eagerly slip back into DCI Vera Stanhope's famous bucket hat if ITV ever resurrects the beloved crime drama, delighting the millions of viewers who mourned the detective's departure earlier this year.
The 80-year-old actress brought the Northumberland detective to life for 14 series, finally hanging up the character's trademark raincoat in early 2025. But speaking to Woman's Day, she made clear that the door remains firmly open for a return, saying:
In a drop of her bucket hat. Yes, if they did a special or something, of course I would. It was a wonderful job.
From Northumberland's moors to New York's couture
Since leaving Vera behind, Dame Brenda has thrown herself into a strikingly different role in the remake of A Woman of Substance, relishing the chance to swap the detective's sturdy outdoor wear for elegant gowns and high heels.
She said of the new production:
It's a great story traversing the 20th century in all its highs, lows and innovations. What's not to like? It's exciting and it ticks all the boxes. It's sexy and tragic, then it arrives at her being the richest woman in the world!
The series opens with her character, an older Emma, riding in a limousine through 1970s uptown New York, a world away from the windswept landscapes of the North East. Dame Brenda joked:
I thought, 'Finally, I've arrived! Where is the old trench coat and bucket hat from Vera?' It was great! Variety is the spice of life and it was fun to embrace that, swanning about in couture and high heels!
Author Ann Cleeves confirms Vera survives final novel
Meanwhile, bestselling author Ann Cleeves has offered her own reassurance to devoted fans. Appearing alongside Dame Brenda at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, the 71-year-old revealed she has completed the manuscript for what is expected to be the final Vera novel, due for publication next year.
Describing the book as
a fitting way to end it, she said:
I loved writing it. Brenda hasn't read it yet, so I'll be sending it to her as she's such a great reader.
When Dame Brenda asked whether her character survives, Ms Cleeves confirmed:
No, I haven't killed her. I can tell you I haven't killed her.
While no formal plans exist for a televised return, the combination of Dame Brenda's willingness and Ms Cleeves' decision to leave Vera alive will give hope to the legions of fans who have refused to accept the detective's retirement.
Will Vera return to ITV screens?
ITV has made no announcement regarding a revival of the series, which drew consistent audiences of millions throughout its run. But with its leading lady publicly enthusiastic and the source material leaving the door ajar, the prospect of a one-off special remains a tantalising possibility for the broadcaster.
For now, viewers can enjoy Dame Brenda's glamorous turn in A Woman of Substance, even as they hold out hope that the bucket hat may one day be dusted off once more.