Vera’s Brenda Blethyn admits she ‘didn’t want to do anymore without Kenny Doughty’

Vera star Brenda Blethyn has opened up about how she felt when co-star Kenny Doughty left the series and admitted she didn’t want to carry on. Kenny left the ITV drama back in March and admitted it was a difficult decision he came to.

Brenda and Kenny spent eight years starring alongside one another as he played the part of Vera’s co-worker and friend DS Aiden Healy. She recently opened up on David Leon returning to the seires but couldn’t help but give a mention to Kenny.

When asked about her reunion with David, Vera explained: “After we filmed The Rising Tide at the end of 2022 I didn’t want to do any more without Kenny Doughty, who had decided to leave.

“But I said, ‘I’ll think about it if you can see if David Leon is available to return as Joe Ashworth.’ And so they did and here I am.

“I was broken-hearted when David left after series four and equally overjoyed when I heard he was coming back as the relationship between Vera and Joe worked so well. They have all of that early history together.

“I wouldn’t have continued if David had not agreed to come back. I just didn’t want to start another board game with somebody else when I know I’m not going to do many more. And who would want to do it anyway?”

Back in March Kenny took to his Instagram to release a statement about his exit and said: “After 8 years & 35 Vera films I’ve made the difficult decision of handing over DS Healy’s badge. I can confirm I am leaving Vera.

“I want to thank everyone who’s made this amazing time so joyous, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew BUT of course my buddy & inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading star who I owe so much to.

“I feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me howl with laughter & have been a rock for me over the years. I can’t thank you enough. Precious times. And finally the Vera fans: without you and your support I would never have made so many films.

“You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you so much for your loyalty & love for the show.”

After the show’s first-ever Christmas special aired on ITV1 on Boxing Day, fans can rest easy in the knowledge that Brenda’s beloved detective will be back soon.

The first episode, Fast Love, synopsis reads: “DCI Vera Stanhope is called to a quiet country lane where a young man has been found dead following a collision with a car. On closer inspection, it becomes clear that this is not an accident and is way more than a hit-and-run.

“Vera discovers that the victim is a popular market trader so heads down to his pitch to start to put together an idea of who our man is and ascertain why anyone would want him dead.

“As the investigation gathers pace, Vera learns that our cheeky chappy was a complex character. Antagonistic, arrogant and able to get what he wants, but did all of this come at a price? Secrets. Lies. Betrayal. Fractious relationships and intense rivalries but who would want our barrow boy buried.”

Vera season 13 begins Sunday, January 7 from 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.