My husband's face lit up at the end of Vera Brenda Blethyn

Star's family happy to get summers back

- ASHLEIGH RAINBIRD

BRENDA Blethyn says her husband was delighted when she revealed she was leaving Vera, as it means she will finally be able to spend her summers at home.

The 78-year-old actress also reveals that the secret to their happy marriage is separate bathrooms and separate spaces to watch TV.

She says: "I suddenly realised last year that I haven't spent a summer at home for 14 years and maybe it was time to think about that.

"[My husband's] face lit up when I told him. I could tell he was kind of pleased I might be around a bit more, though he wouldn't have imposed that on me."

Brenda and Michael Mayhew have been married for 14 years but met in 1975.

She says the secret to their longevity is: "Two bathrooms.

Two different rooms with a television, too, so you can watch whatever you want. No arguments.