VERA’S Brenda Blethyn has shared an update on the future of the ITV drama after an awards snub and grilling from fans.
The 78-year-old actress has played the titular detective since 2011 across 13 series.
But despite being on our screens for over a decade, the show failed to win any gongs at the Royal Television Society North East and the Borders awards at the weekend.
Vera was nominated for Best Drama, while Brenda was listed in the Drama Performance category but the show left empty-handed.
However, Brenda did share an exciting update with fans while at the event, revealing that Ann Cleeves, who writes the Vera books, is working on a brand new novel.
The news comes after it was revealed in January that Vera had been commissioned for a fourteenth series.
But the updates didn’t stop there, as Brenda took to X – formerly Twitter – to reveal that the new series will start filming very soon.
A fan asked her: “When will the filming of Vera begin, please? Can’t wait to see you all in and around North Tyneside. Brilliant programme”.
Brenda replied: “End [of] April.”
Earlier this month, Brenda gave an update while she shared a heartfelt message with a young, injured fan.
Brenda shared a tweet about her recent charity work, writing: “So proud to have opened Shooting Stars Charity Shop in high st Godalming today. Staff delightful, and thanks to the many VERA fans who attended. Much appreciated by me and the charity.”
One of her fans replied to the tweet on behalf of her son, writing: “My 11yr old son is a HUGE fan of Vera and yourself (as am I). He broke his arm in two places recently, and although in pain, has not moaned once.
“I don’t suppose you could say a quick hello to him. He’d be so chuffed,” they wrote alongside a picture of their son Harry.
Brenda was quick to reply to the message, writing: “Hello Harry, hope your arm mends very soon. Thank you for watching VERA – its fans like you who keep the programme going. Thank you.”
She added: “I’ll be making a couple more episodes later in the year, which you’ll be able to watch next year. Very best wishes Harry from Brenda. aka Vera.”
Vera airs on ITV1 and is available on ITVX.
