Brenda Blethyn and Ann Cleeves on The Seagull

Brenda Blethyn and Ann Cleeves sit down to talk about The Seagull, the eighth novel in the bestselling Vera Stanhope series.
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MORE about the book:
A visit to her local prison brings DI Vera Stanhope face to face with an old enemy: former detective superintendent, and now inmate, John Brace. Brace was convicted of corruption and involvement in the death of a gamekeeper - and Vera played a part in his downfall.
Brace promises Vera information about the disappearance of Robbie Marshall, a notorious wheeler-dealer, if she will look out for his daughter and grandchildren. He tells her that Marshall is dead, his body buried close to St Mary’s Island in Whitley Bay. However, when a search team investigates, officers find not one skeleton, but two...
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[@adriennejenkin6452]

Brenda Blethyn is wonderful as Vera plus she’s a wonderful actress I love her portrayal as Vera spot on

[@marionfitness5509]

The scenery on Vera is just fabulous. As a Scottish person I didn't realise there was so much beauty a little further south. And who doesn't love Vera the character!

[@annwanamaker5210]

I’m Scottish 32%. Love the show & beautifully cast! Especially Brenda (Vera)!!

[@sandella11]

I’m from the US. I’ve always enjoyed watching British mystery tv shows/movies. Here, while we’re all coping with this raging viral pandemic, my cable company gave customers many free shows ... because almost all of us are staying home. I began watching Vera. I haven’t stopped yet. I have watched quite a few of the episodes. I adore Vera! Brilliant show. I’ll be a thing now...because I’m hooked on Vera and her coworkers. There are so many twists and turns..fantastic writing! Great characters. I’ll be 73 soon...and Who knows how much longer I’ll be around.🤷🏼‍♀️. I know one thing. I’ll be watching every new episode I am able to see. And re runs. I can’t get enough of Vera! She’s sassy, smart, determined...and she’s just a luv! ❤️. Thank you to both of you! 👍

[@ainebourke9524]

I love the "viewnery," ie - those vast landscapes and skies - sensitively shot - of Northumbria. Can't wait for this Covid business to be over so that I can visit! Aine, County Kildare, Ireland

[@Makeroomformushrooms]

I'm from Newcastle, Vera's hometown, so glad ya enjoying it, should give the audiobook a blast on audible

[@sandella11]

@@Makeroomformushrooms Lucky you. Such a beautiful place. I enjoy the scenery as much as I enjoy watching Vera solving the case! 🥰

[@albertgrant1017]

Spot On !

[@sandrahossman2089]

I have BritBox and love Vera, and Brenda is fantastic.

[@leejay2418]

I just love Brenda as an actress. Watching Vera is a joy.

[@elizabethholland9117]

Brenda Blethyn is marvelous in Vera.Actually she's brilliant in everything.

[@kbld1]

I can’t believe I didn’t discover Brenda & Vera till just last year and I’ve been binge watching ever since. Now I’ve reached the end and hope new episodes are coming. Vera is a brilliant series, one of the best I’ve ever seen, and I’ll absolutely go mad if it ends.

[@imisstoronto3121]

@@kbld1 did you find Shetland? Also brilliant series.

[@donnaaston1795]

@@imisstoronto3121 Yes. Also Broadchurch and Hinterland. I love British/UK Crime shows.

[@stiglinc1]

@@kbld1 I've seen the series on TV in Hungary just now ( in 2022) and I've fallen in love vith it. Vera is a brilliant character and Brenda Blethyn made her to be a so lovely person. ♥ Fortunately the hungarian voice of her is brilliant too.

[@alwynemcintyre2184]

​@@donnaaston1795 have you watched the long call? Another series based on books by ann cleaves

[@wendydawe3874]

I have watched all of the available series at least 4 times and never tire of the actress, actors, plots and the beautiful scenery. I just wish that Vera could go on forever.

[@cornflowercrafts]

I agree with you 100%!

[@cornflowercrafts]

I have loved Brenda Blethyn for years. She is brilliant. How lovely it is to see how much Ann trusts Brenda and her knowledge of Vera's personality. Vera is the best show I have seen in a long time. I just can't get enough of it.

[@loriewing630]

I just started watching Vera I find it’s one of very best chow on tv! Really enjoy watching.

[@countrygirl1006]

Ann Cleeves thank you for Vera,so glad for season 9.Friend from usa.

[@AnnaBelangerAnnabelle]

Adora Ann Cleeves and Brenda Blethyn. Perfect writer and a perfect actor in these amazing stories. So enjoy it!

[@elizabethivie432]

lOVE VERA, HOPE THE SERIES NEVER STOP...Ann, keep writing the books so they can keep fliming....

[@jamessmith-eb8bm]

I loved the show which compelled me to read the books both have been a joy.

[@susangunn3581]

What a lovely collaboration of these two talented women.

[@dustyblue2ify]

Brenda Blethyn a beloved actress truly authentic & lovely person. So Blessed to have met you yrs ago in NYC, to tell you personally how your role as the Mother in the movie Secrets & Lies touched me in my own search for my biological Mother at that time. You were so gracious in our exchange will never forget.

[@rosamariamendoza1466]

My very first time watching her. Absolutely amazing!!❤!

[@SuzannesBabies]

Brenda you are amazing. I love Vera she is a fantastic character and makes me laugh with her sharp wit. Ann’s books are wonderful I enjoy every single one. You are two extremely creative beautiful women xxxx

[@juliebarnes798]

We never miss Vera As each season finishes we have our fingers crossed that there will be another season watching from Sydney Australia. Please keep them coming Ann Cleeves

[@cornflowercrafts]

I agree with you Julie 100%!

[@LindaKing-nq6ut]

Me too🇨🇦

[@RamonaLeigh]

My favourite part in that episode was when Vera recognized the taxidermy birds on the shelf. The look on her face! Love this show.

[@maureensmith4993]

Love Vera soooo much. We in Perth West Australia look forward to many more series. Brenda, you are such a good actress.

[@sakuntalamodukuri4714]

I just chanced upon the series on KZbin. I binge watched all the episodes and thoroughly enjoyed them. Brenda is so perfect for the role. Eagerly waiting for the next season.

[@ladydiva295]

Brenda Blethyn as Vera is the image of my late mum, they could be sisters....uncanny. I watch 'cos I love it, but I also watch because it's like seeing my mum again. Lovely.

[@suzyburrell9122]

My husband and I love to watch Vera. So looking forward to new episodes.

[@Cocobird5]

What a great sense of collaboration! Love Vera

[@annwanamaker5210]

Kate & Koji👍😂

[@murrumbidgeekid]

We are so lucky to have these two women collaborating to bring Vera to life. I do appreciate Brenda making sure the character stays true to Ann's frame. She has made her more appealing visually but you do respect the character in the books for her clear eye on the prize for justice to be done. She cares.

[@user-iy1vi7zz7z]

Love 'Vera' the show and the character. As for locations the Northeast is one of most beautiful regions & the people are warm and lovely.

[@nawesa]

I'm so grateful to Acorn TV for giving me access to such a wonderful show. I really enjoy the beautiful setting. I love Vera's character and I have so much respect for Brenda Blethyn, she's phenomenal. Naturally, I started looking for Ann Cleeves' books.

[@patportran4683]

Brenda is so very talented! I enjoyed her in Vera... but now discovered Kate and Koji... a comedy! She is incredible in that too! What cannot she do?

[@whatfreshhellisthis8810]

Brilliant and beautiful Brenda.

[@janetbrown8785]

Just found Vera on KZbin about a month ago. I really love it. It is so different than the shows here in America. I am a fan.❤️

[@zzg5510]

Two admirable ladies. I love Ann Cleeves as the author and creator of these magnificent books. I also love Brenda Blethyn, an excellent actress.

[@louandkeith]

How Lovely to see You Two together, (Anne and Benda)You Both are AMAZING and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Vera and Shetland!!! Keep Going Ladies. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😍

[@FrancoiseBonnefoy1]

What a gift to see author and actor together. Cheers!

[@robertaransley5909]

Vera is my most favorite series!! Brenda Blethyn is brilliant!

[@emanmark]

Recently discovered this show and very impressed by the production value and writing. Sort of a female Columbo set in the moorlands of England.

[@patriciawashburn1624]

Just love Brenda!! In whatever she does.

[@asredbirdy]

I just love Vera. Brenda Blethyn is wonderful.

[@waterjar27]

Thank you - just finished watching Season 10. So grateful for the good writing, acting, and production. Please may there be a Season 11!

[@sherreewilson925]

I’m from Australia. Love Vera. Love the show. 🌹🇦🇺

[@suetruscott]

What a wonderful collaboration. Amazing writing and amazing acting. Thank you both.

[@pampeters4033]

Love Vera! Love Brenda!

[@susanf.7737]

“The Seagull” is at the top of my list for favourite episodes of this truly excellent programme.

[@wendynadin3685]

I love the show Vera and Brenda plays her well,I have been reading a newVera novel and as I'm reading it I can picture her character after seeing the TV series. Brenda is a great actress 👏👏👏👏👏🏆

[@k.s.thompson5766]

I love the show and the books so much! I recently found a copy of "The Crow Trap" in a lovely second hand bookshop. I was going to give it to a friend but I can't bear to part with it, so I will have to go on a treasure hunt for another.

[@gracienoid44]

I so enjoy this TV show

[@colleenorrick5415]

We love the show Vera and love Brenda Blethyn - an amazing actor!

[@annwanamaker5210]

Vera (Brenda) is my favorite! I can’t wait for the next series, although I watch all the the 1 - 11 series over & over again🤗

[@lynnmcchesney2602]

Love this tv series. Hope it never ends. Also love Anne Cleese’s books.

[@catsinhouse]

Amazing series, so well done. I look forward to it here in the U.S. so very much. Well crafted and acted. You feel like you know the cast members to such a degree. The death of Bethany - that's a hard one to watch. Heartbreaker for all concerned. Many thanks for this series - only wish other programs were done half as well. (Ms. Blethyn - we are so glad you were ambushed!)

[@meo21626]

Thank you for this wonderful series!

[@irena4524]

Eagerly waiting for the next season. Love from Serbia

[@jonathandow684]

Thank you Claire for Vera and Shetland wonderful shows 💛✨

[@normanbrown9225]

Vera driving in a jeep not a flashy car I think of her as one of us everyday people

[@peterfromgw4615]

Mate, not a “jeep” but a good, old-fashioned British Land Rover. Tschuess aus Australien.

[@maureenrhysjones4643]

ITS A LAND ROVER!!!

[@sarahkofman1921]

Vera is my absolute fav

[@pattyyoshimura9803]

I love in the later episodes when Aiden slips on Vera paper shoes for her at a crime scene. Vera hand is on Aidens shoulder or head to lean on. Does anyone know if that was in the books or written in for the show?

[@juliebarnes798]

Miss Aidan. Not too fussed on Joe

[@tariearieffin8342]

Thanks a lot for your amazing books

[@tariearieffin8342]

And the tv series of course 😘😘 Vera and Shetland are my best friends during this isolation

[@4everminky]

Beautiful Brenda 🙂

[@jasnaoklobdzija4260]

I love her So much ❤

[@carolmadsen935]

I really like the author Ann and also Brenda.

[@adelaferreira4575]

Vera is such a great show,Brenda Blethyn is so good in it !

[@Anairofdeath]

Brenda is a model at her age its amazing that she doesn't care what she looks like and shes amazing as a actor

[@pensamisempre]

Brenda Blethyn ! I really like you. Chance in a million, one in a million...

[@europamacmillan9498]

Two lovely ladies,What a treat

[@susanfurlong2002]

I absolutely love this show, l follow every episode!👍👍👍

[@marianrooth9514]

I love the series.

[@ivnafuchigami4039]

Vera is one of my favorite series! Brenda is an amazing actress!

[@Susan-ie5nq]

You’re both amazing women. Love you both!

[@doreenfawcett9717]

Brenda wonderful. Actress👍👍👍👍👍😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@greetkeuten4672]

Antwerp ( Belgium) loves you Nice lady ! 💜🥰💜🥰💜🥰

[@judikingsman6132]

What a joy to listen to these lovely women 💞

[@dnorfed]

I love the saucy look Vera gives over her left shoulder as the credits roll at the beginning of every show

[@meo21626]

That’s the best!

[@maryg1338]

Love the Vera series ( Shetland also). Read every book, watched every episode. I’m sorry, but I cannot watch American mystery. It’s flat, the characters don’t have any depth. Next on my list is The Heron’s Cry- Matthew Venn Two Rivers series. The Long Call was excellent. Needless to say, I’m a very big fan. Thank you Ann Cleeves for your creativity, and thank you Brenda Blethyn for a magnificent “Vera”!

[@GM-jt3sh]

Love ya Brenda.

[@johncavern5032]

Great show.

[@LindaKing-nq6ut]

Brenda plays Vera perfectly…really enjoy the program

[@daphnekivinen9482]

I just love Vera too! She really seems so natural. I can't see her in another venue. I will wonder why is Vera in this program!?

[@normajean2855]

oh thankyou Brenda, I think Im going to have to buy the books and i know exactly how the characters are going to look like ... an i'll have Vera with me all the time, because I know she's got to hang her hat up sooner or later....I love Vera, which is a testament to your acting abilities Brenda ...and of course the wonderful author, Ann Cleeves, Ive got to say .. my next fav series is Shetland...

[@kayeroskaft9619]

I just saw the episode with the nutrition comment. Perfect.

[@garywagner2466]

If you enjoy “Vera” you’ll enjoy “Shetland.”

[@margaretdavis6776]

Ann mentioned that Brenda can run---- I noticed that & marvelled ev time I saw her in action.

[@judikingsman6132]

I ❤ Vera 💕

[@Meadowwing]

Brenda Blethyn has got to be the most gorgeous woman inside and out her acting is spot-on I wish she would marry me

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

Having read most of Ann Cleeves books and watched the videos, I am disappointed that the script writers change so much of her story lines and even endings.

[@nataliequinn8192]

Queens.

[@mares3841]

💛

[@louaves1810]

I am a Vera fan I like her I saw her over the headland Hartlepool I waved at her and I blow her a kiss I like Vera she is a fantastic person she's brilliant I was buzzing on the day when I seen her at Hartlepool headland I've got a hat like she wears Louisa aves Hartlepool

[@bojack40]

I adore BB and thoroughly enjoy Vera, although as an ex copper (detective) I am sometimes a bit disappointed at the way the writers (and especially the actors exc’ Brenda ) play the interlocutions between police and suspects our witnesses. 1. Interviewing police officers don’t ‘emote’…because it doesn’t help, much better to ‘befriend’ the suspect and lull them into opening up - talking - and hope they reveal some evidence that proves or disproves the case, and also because we try to keep an open mind. 2. Suspects are rarely so confident /aggressive as they often appear in the show, and witnesses are not so anti-police. They understand that when investigating very serious crimes (as Vera does) they have a duty to assist. The trope of every business person being annoyed that investigations interrupt their operations is overplayed. As is the idea that all the pain everyone in the NE has ever experienced or will experience is the direct fault of Margaret Thatcher!

[@mariusbabii]

not only on vera but also in the governess seasons 2 of them, i loved branda ever since then, vera reminds me of another British actress angela lansbury, vera is based on murder she wrote, but vera is way better,..........marius(punk rules).

[@SamSung-nf6tr]

The book & episode is different. The book takes place in the 1990s. She has an insecure boss who doesn't like her. None of that is shown in the episode. Book is better.

[@TheRugby23]

Please bring David Leon back!!! The new guy is like dead wood. No smoldering good looks, no charisma and no charm!

[@thewanderingamerican5412]

The character, like Blethyn, doesn't enjoy to look inward because there is only emptiness. With no love of Jesus Christ or faith in God there is...nothing. It's so sad to see these people with great talents that have long since abandoned their faith and continue to reject the Christian God on an active basis. Secularism is dooming many souls.

[@kyoglesage]

Bap Finkel You’re projecting. How dare you tell the person who created the character and the person who plays the character what she thinks and feels. I’m a happy, fulfilled atheist who finds joy and awe in my own life and the world around me. Absolutely no need for an invisible big man in the sky and I’m sad to think you need your myth to give your life meaning. Sincerely hope you find your way out of superstition before you’re much older - it’s such a waste of brainpower.