Latest news with #BathLiteratureFestival
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
ITV Vera fans emotional after creator makes 'bombshell' announcement
ITV Vera fans emotional after creator makes 'bombshell' announcement Vera fans have been dealt another blow following Brenda Blethyn's departure from the ITV series Brenda Blethyn says 'it was time' for Vera to come to an end Vera enthusiasts are reeling as Ann Cleeves, the creator of the beloved character and series, delivered a poignant update on her career. Ann, the mastermind behind Detective Vera Stanhope, has confirmed that her forthcoming book will be the final chapter in the saga. During her appearance at the Bath Literature Festival, Ann revealed that the 12th book in the detective series would be the swansong for DCI Stanhope. "There will only be one more Vera novel," she disclosed, before playfully hinting: "But I probably won't kill her off," reports Chronicle Live. "Well, that was a bombshell, wasn't it?" she quipped, acknowledging the gravity of her announcement. Vera's Brenda Blethyn and author Ann Cleeves on the set of the ITV drama (Image: ITV ) Article continues below ITV caller delivers brutal divorce swipe at Paddy McGuinness READ MORE: In the wake of this revelation, fans have flocked to social media to express their dismay, with many feeling devastated. A succinct lament appeared on a Facebook fan page: "Oh no!". "She can't do that," protested another, while someone else queried: "Does this mean there will be no more Vera books?" Another comment read: "She won't be able to do it." A fan expressed their adoration for her work with a tearful emoji: "I love all of her books." David Leon and Brenda Blethyn (Image: (Image: (Image: ITV)) ) This news marks the end of an era that commenced in 1999 with the debut of the first Vera Stanhope novel. Her most recent publication, The Dark Wives, is the eleventh instalment in the series and is currently available. Earlier in the year, Vera's loyal viewers were moved to tears as Brenda Blethyn portrayed her final moments as Vera Stanhope. Although Brenda is amenable to the idea of a Vera special in the future, she has shared her reasons for leaving, including a desire to cherish more time with her family. Brenda Blethyn as Vera Stanhope (Image: ITV ) "It was a lovely summer back in 2023, and I came to realise I hadn't had a summer with my husband for 14 years," the actress stated. "Naturally, I missed my family, and my dog Jack, although he was with me in the Northeast. Article continues below "But working all day meant our time together was short. I love my Vera family, but I love my other family too."
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Vera fans gutted as creator makes 'bombshell' announcement
Vera creator Ann Cleeves has confirmed that the 12th instalment in the Vera Stanhope series will be the last, leaving fans devastated as they took to social media to share their thoughts Vera enthusiasts are in bits after the series' creator, Ann Cleeves, dropped a clanger about her career plans. The brains behind Detective Vera Stanhope, Ann has let slip that her forthcoming book will be the final chapter. Ann made waves at the Bath Literature Festival when she revealed that the 12th book will be Vera's swansong, saying: "There will only be one more Vera novel," but with a wink, she hinted: "But I probably won't kill her off!". She then quipped to the audience, "Well, that was a bombshell, wasn't it?". Devastated fans have been voicing their dismay on social media, with reactions ranging from disbelief to sorrow, reports Chronicle Live. A disheartened fan posted on a Facebook group, simply stating: "Oh no!" Others expressed denial, with comments like "She can't do that," and queries such as "Does this mean there will be no more Vera books?". Doubtful remarks also surfaced, with one person asserting: "She won't be able to do it." Another shared their affection for the novels alongside a tearful emoji: "I love all of her books." This revelation marks the end of an era that kicked off in 1999 with the debut of the first Vera Stanhope novel. Ann's most recent offering, The Dark Wives, is the eleventh instalment and is currently gracing bookshelves. Earlier in the year, Vera devotees were already dealt a blow when Brenda Blethyn hung up her hat as Vera Stanhope. Brenda, who hasn't ruled out a Vera special in the future, opened up about her reasons for bowing out, citing a desire to cherish time with her loved ones. Reflecting on her time spent away from loved ones, the actress shared: "It was a lovely summer back in 2023, and I came to realise I hadn't had a summer with my husband for 14 years," adding fondly, "Naturally, I missed my family, and my dog Jack, although he was with me in the North East." She went on to say: "But working all day meant our time together was short. I love my Vera family, but I love my other family too."
