Vera’s Brenda Blethyn speaks out on when she’ll leave show as season 11 finally resumes on ITV

: "When we finish filming, I always say, 'I really don't think I can do this anymore.

"Filming usually means six months away from home – and in 2022 it was the best part of ten months. But then I have a rest, get my appetite back and change my mind."

She also opened up on how being away from home can take its toll on herself and her husband.

Brenda revealed: "My dog Jack can't be with me in the north-east for all of that time. He's alright once I've been away a while filming, but if I come home for a few days in between, he goes mad – then my husband has a merry time of it when I go again, with the dog wondering where I am!"

The popular star also admitted to feeling obliged to continue playing the character in order to not let her 'Vera' family down.

Vera returned to ITV screens after a long break away mid-way through the eleventh series with two episodes remaining unbroadcast last year.

As well as the current episode, a twelfth series of the programme is also expected to air soon after filming got underway last year.

Brenda has played DCI Vera Stanhope since the series began in 2011, and she has become a hit with fans ever since.

Joe Ashworth - played by David Leon - was DCI Stanhope's original sidekick before he was replaced by Aiden Healy in 2014.