HOW AUSTRALIA FELL IN LOVE WITH VERA

The unflappable detective could be about to walk away

It's been almost 12 years since nononsense DCI Vera Stanhope first stomped on our screens with her mac and bucket hat to solve grisly murders, in TV's Vera. But despite the incredible worldwide ratings and growing Aussie fanbase, the actress behind the titular character, Brenda Blethyn, isn't quite sure she would jump into her famous detective boots if she had her time over.

"If they'd said to me on day one you'd be doing this for 10 years wearing that mac and hat, I'd have reconsidered," jokes the 77-year-old English actress.

Previously, the BAFTA winner has admitted she often thinks about "calling it a day," adding, "Filming usually means six months away from home - and in 2022 it was the best part of 10 months. But then I have a rest, get my appetite back and change my mind." Brenda lives in Kent, more than 480 kilometres away from where the drama is filmed, with her husband Michael Mayhew and their cockapoo Jack.