‘Every time I finish a Vera series I think NEVER AGAIN!'

Vera star Brenda Blethyn contemplates retiring every year, but prefers to keep herself busy

- SUE CRAWFORD

Brenda Blethyn was on the verge of quitting acting when she was offered the role of much-loved detective Vera, and she admits that she still threatens to hang up her character’s famous coat and hat for good every single year when filming finishes.

‘The day I finish Vera – because it’s six months and quite gruelling – I think, “Never again, that’s it, where are my slippers!”’ she laughs.

‘I think about retiring every year. You know what it’s like. When you have a long day’s work you think, “Oh, give me a break!”

‘But then I miss her and the cast and crew. I have a rest and then I’m ready to go again. I think she’s a great character, so hopefully it will come round again.

‘It’s the longest role I’ve ever done. It came at a time when I was thinking of packing up. I was already in my 60s and I didn’t expect a role like this to come along. Of course, I can’t go on forever, but because I’ve invested in it, I want it to have longevity.’

Brenda, 75, is one of Britain’s most celebrated actresses. During a 45-year career, she’s picked up a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and two Oscar nominations for her roles in Secrets & Lies and Little Voice.

Most recently she’s starred in the comedy series Kate & Koji, but it’s as dogged detective Vera Stanhope – a role she has now played for 11 years – that’s she best-known.