Brenda Blethyn took on a new role just a week after she filmed Vera final (Image: (Image: ITV))

Vera's Brenda Blethyn took on new role days after filming final scenes for ITV drama

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Brenda Blethyn has disclosed that she had just a week's gap between filming her final scenes in Vera and starting a new role in a film with an Oscar nominee. The esteemed actress humorously remarked that she 'hadn't even unpacked' before having to relocate for the new project.

After a 13-year stint as the straight-talking detective DCI Stanhope, Brenda has retired her character's iconic trench coat and fishing hat after wrapping up the 14th and last series of the beloved ITV drama during the summer.

The production of the two new feature-length episodes took place across the North East, with filming locations including Gateshead, Blyth, South Shields and Glanton.

Brenda has landed a new role in a film (Image: ITV)

Brenda and her co-stars attracted quite a crowd wherever they filmed. Brenda confessed to Vera fans that she felt "tired and Emotional" when filming concluded. However, this didn't deter her from diving into another project immediately.

She recently revealed that she was brought in at the eleventh hour to 'replace' another actor in a new film, which also stars 2024 Oscar nominee and North East native, Andrea Riseborough, reports Chronicle Live.

Brenda initially revealed her new role on social media, but elaborated further during a Vera event in London this week. She joined author Ann Cleeves on stage for an interview with host Emma Kennedy at the Vera - End of an Era event.

Brenda has retired her character's iconic trench coat after 13 years (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Brenda informed the captivated audience at the BFI that she received a call from her agent about the film role, humorously adding that she barely had time to unpack from her return from Newcastle before having to relocate again.

She went on to explain that, despite not anticipating a new job so soon, she was immediately convinced after reading the script for the film. Brenda believes the film will ultimately be titled Dragonfly, despite its name having been changed several times already.

It comes as Brenda publicly 'ruled out' a potential Vera spin-off with one of her most popular co-stars, after producers come under more pressure to continue the drama, ahead of it coming to an end.

Brenda recently wrapped up filming for the final series of Vera (Image: (Image: ITV))

Emma Kennedy suggested a spin off series with Vera and colleague Kenny Lockhart, given the love/hate relationship their characters appear to have in the drama.

However Brenda recently said: "I don't think he can stand her!" before clarifying that, while Vera and Kenny often rub each other up the wrong way in the show, she and John have a great relationship, adding that he was a great person to have on set

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