Brenda Blethyn thinks the public have "embraced" ‘Vera’ because the titular character "tells the truth and has no pretensions."
The 72-year-old actress stars as the titular DCI Vera Stanhope in the ITV crime drama, and believes the show is so popular because her character is so complex and different to other female roles on television.
She said: "People have really embraced Vera because she’s good at her job, tells the truth and has no pretensions. She can be a bit caustic if people aren’t doing their jobs, but she can also be very kind."
Vera is known for remaining quiet about her past on the show, but Brenda insists she doesn’t want a personal storyline or romantic interest for her character, because she’s "married to the job".
Asked if she’d want to explore more of Vera’s past in future episodes, Brenda said: "No. She is a loner, not lonely. A lot of people are perfectly happy in their own company and find it a release. She is married to the job."
Brenda has been playing Vera since the show began in 2011, and says she now knows the character so well, she’ll buy clothes to wear on set when she’s out shopping.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, she said: "I’ve got to know Vera well in the eight years I’ve been playing her. I know what she’d wear – so when I’m out shopping, if I see something for Vera, I’ll buy it. That old hat never changes, though.
"Did you know they’re selling Vera hats on a stall in Newcastle market now? Doing a roaring trade. I stopped for a chat once and a couple came up, saw me and nearly fainted. They’d come up for their anniversary to see some Vera locations and there I was."
‘Vera’ is set to return for a ninth series – consisting of four episodes – starting on January 13.
Brenda Blethyn: Audiences love Vera because she’s authentic
