ITV Vera's leading star in turmoil after tragic death

Brenda Blethyn says 'it was time' for Vera to come to an end

The second to last episode of Vera ended on a shocking note, leaving fans worried about Brenda Blethyn's character. ITV aired the penultimate instalment on Wednesday night featuring Vera and her partner DI Joe Ashworth (David Leon) grappling with a complex case.

The duo found themselves juggling two separate investigations when they discovered an ex-convict's body by the River Tyne. In a dramatic turn of events, Vera and Joe confronted Imogen Langworth, who had murdered her mother, and her father Lucas Corbridge, falsley accused of killing his wife Marion, atop a cliff.

In a tense showdown, Vera tried to coax the truth out of Imogen while Lucas brandished a blood-stained rock, previously used in an attempt to murder DC Kenny Lockhart. A physical altercation ensued, during which Joe nearly plummeted off the cliff. Lucas intervened, resulting in Imogen's fatal fall.

The tragic incident left Vera, Joe, and Lucas reeling. Vera admonished Joe for his recklessness and encouraged him to seek help following his father's death, reports the Mirror.

One character died at the end of the ITV show's first episode of the series (Image: ITV)

READ MORE
This Morning host called 'bonkers' after sharing odd 'tip' in topless video
GMB viewers call for Ofcom investigation after 'fat shaming' comments

Earlier in the episode, tensions arose between Joe and Vera due to familial disputes urging Joe to seek support over his father's demise.

"There's something up with Joe at the start of this series. He's dragging his feet. Vera obviously has a soft spot for Joe. But she doesn't carry people. Everyone has to pull their weight. And if there is something up, say what it is. Tell her what it is," Brenda expressed.

She continued: "We filmed a scene involving Vera and Joe on the St Mary's Island causeway near Whitley Bay which is quite the exchange of words. There's a history between them. In the very first episode of Vera, Joe scattered her father Hector's ashes. It had a real impact on Vera. I love working with David. 

Brenda Blethyn is donning her infamous green hat one more time (Image: ITV)

"He only left after series four to pursue writing and directing, and no sooner had he done so that his film won an award at the Tribeca Film Festival. But he did return to direct an episode of Vera, Black Ice, series 8 episode 2."

The final episode of Vera is set to air on Thursday night and has been titled The Dark Wives. A short synopsis teases there's drama ahead as Vera has to face struggles from her youth.

It reads: " A student violently killed and dumped at the foot of three mythical monoliths and a missing girl sets Vera on an investigation that triggers memories from her own childhood."

After 13 years, viewers will see the actress hang up her iconic hat and raincoat for the last time, although she confessed she's not sure it's the right decision, after touching on the job opporunities Vera has given people over the years.

window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241219.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

The final ever episode will air on Thursday night (Image: ITV) window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241219.min.js"

She said: "I really enjoyed working on Vera and I’m not sure I’ve made the right decision even now!

“But I do want to spend time with my family. That’s the overriding factor in my decision-making. I’m comforted by the fact that many of the crew live locally in the North East and, hopefully, there are lots of other jobs for them up there. Including the proposed Crown Works Studios in Sunderland which aims to create some 8000 jobs.”

Vera is available to watch on ITVX.