Brenda Blethyn Stuns ITV With Shock ‘Vera’ Comeback Hint — Star Teases “Unfinished Business” After Farewell Season

ITV viewers were left reeling on Friday after Brenda Blethyn delivered one of the most unexpected television bombshells of the year. Appearing live on This Morning to promote her new film Dragonfly, the beloved Vera star stunned hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary by confirming she is open to returning to the long-running crime drama—just months after fans were told the series had ended for good.

Blethyn, 79, who portrayed the iconic Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope from 2011 to 2025, had insisted earlier this year that she was hanging up the famous trench coat and bucket hat for good. ITV announced the fourteenth season would serve as the final chapter, closing out a remarkable run of 56 episodes across 14 years. But in a moment that ignited shockwaves across social media, Blethyn revealed there may still be “unfinished business” for the Northumberland detective—though she would only return under one strict condition.

The revelation came toward the end of a warm, reflective interview in which Blethyn discussed her decision to step back from the demanding filming schedule and her excitement about exploring new creative projects, including her latest film role. But when O’Leary gently nudged the conversation back toward Vera, the normally composed actress couldn’t help but grin.

“Well,” she said, pausing for dramatic effect as Hammond audibly gasped, “I always say never say never. If the circumstances were right, and if we had the right story—something that truly demanded Vera’s return—I would consider coming back.”

Hammond immediately jumped to her feet. “Oh my goodness—Brenda! You can’t just drop that in!” she shouted, laughing as the studio erupted into excitement.

Blethyn then clarified her stance, explaining: “I won’t return for the sake of returning. It would need to be a proper case, something worthy of Vera. Something that feels unfinished.”

The phrase “unfinished business” spread rapidly through fan forums and X (formerly Twitter), where viewers expressed both joy and disbelief. Many had mourned the end of the series after ITV confirmed its conclusion earlier this year, describing the farewell as the end of an era. Some fans even called the show “ITV’s most comforting drama,” praising Blethyn’s grounded, tender, and often deeply emotional portrayal of the eccentric detective.

For ITV, the prospect of Blethyn’s return may come as a welcome development. Vera has been one of the network’s most dependable ratings successes, regularly attracting millions of viewers and drawing critical praise for its writing, atmosphere, and performances. The chemistry between Blethyn and her co-stars—including David Leon, who recently returned as DS Joe Ashworth—has remained a central draw.

Industry insiders have long suggested that ITV left the door ajar for future specials or limited-run episodes rather than a full-scale revival. Blethyn’s comments now seem to confirm that possibility.

“It would have to be manageable,” she admitted. “The filming schedule is long, and the locations are demanding. But if my health allows it, and if the story is irresistible… who knows?”

The star was equally quick to express gratitude for the fans who have supported the show since its debut in 2011. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the love,” she said. “We set out to make something honest, heartfelt, and very human. I never imagined Vera would become such a part of people’s lives.”

Blethyn also hinted that she’d already been approached informally about the possibility of a return, though she declined to reveal details. “Let’s just say there have been conversations,” she teased, sending Hammond into another fit of disbelief.

For the legion of viewers who have followed Vera Stanhope through windswept cliffs, abandoned farms, and rain-lashed crime scenes across Northumberland, the possibility of a comeback feels almost too good to hope for. Many believed the character’s book had closed permanently after season 14’s emotional finale, which offered what was long described as a “bittersweet but fitting farewell.”

Now, it seems that farewell may not have been quite so final.

One viewer wrote online: “Brenda is Vera. If she wants to return for one more case, the whole nation will tune in.”

Another echoed the sentiment: “She said ‘unfinished business’ — that can only mean one thing. A comeback is brewing!”

While ITV has yet to issue an official response, excitement is snowballing, and speculation is mounting about what form a potential return could take: a one-off Christmas special, a two-part mini-series, or perhaps the long-rumored film adaptation fans have begged for.

For now, Blethyn is content to let the anticipation build. “If Vera has more to say,” she concluded on This Morning, “you’ll hear about it.”

And judging by the reaction across Britain, fans are already listening.