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Brenda Blethyn, 79, Says She Isn’t Retiring as She Wraps A Woman of Substance

Following a 14-year run as ITV's Vera, she signals continued work with a lighter schedule.

Overview

  • In a new Prima interview, Blethyn says she has no plans to retire as she turns 80 next month, though she may cut back to spend more time at home.
  • She has completed filming Channel 4’s reimagining of A Woman of Substance, playing the older Emma Harte, with Jessica Reynolds portraying the younger version.
  • Blethyn reflects on leaving Vera in 2024, saying she misses the assuredness of the role and remains proud of the character after roughly 15 years on the series.
  • She acknowledges long-standing impostor syndrome and regrets not speaking up more early in her career.
  • Recent reports note she was longlisted for a BAFTA for Dragonfly but did not receive a final nomination.