Vera star Brenda Blethyn reveals huge on-set secret as show wraps after 14 years
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Vera is ending after 14 series, leaving fans of the ITV drama devastated. There was a big surprise for Vera fans on Friday night, when the stunt doubles for the show's two main stars, Brenda Blethyn and David Leon, were unmasked on screen and revealed they've been "fooling" fans for years.
Given that Vera has found herself in some pretty tricky situations over the years, since cameras started rolling on the hit ITV drama back in 2011, Brenda has had a body double join her on set, with the stand-in also doing a lot of driving in the 14 series.
Millions tuned in on Thursday night to see Vera come to an end, with Brenda's famous character bowing out of her job as Northumberland and City Police matriarch quietly, going into her office to clear her desk and leave the police station for good, carrying her belongings in a box. There was another twist in the finale tale, with Vera leaving a note for sidekick Joe, played by David, telling him it was time "to spread his wings".
While devastated that their favourite crime drama had come to an end, there was a treat for Vera fans on Friday in the form of documentary called Vera, Farewell Pet, which gave some behind the scenes insights, including the reveal that stunt doubles have been used for both Brenda and David.
After viewers saw her being dressed in Vera's famous rain mac and hat, and a wig to match the character's hair, Brenda's stunt double, Kit Littlejohn said she'd been doing the job for six years, before Jonathan Larman, who stands in for David, said: "When we're out about sometimes people think we're the real deal, which is quite amusing.".
