BRENDA Blethyn has called time on Vera after 14 years – but has revealed that she has a plan to keep the beloved detective alive.

The actress has quit the hit ITV drama to spend more time with her family.

But she has managed to keep a few mementos from the gentle cop show.

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Brenda Blethyn has revealed her real reason for leaving hit ITV crime drama Vera[/caption]

ITV STUDIOS

The Bafta winner has starred as Vera Stanhope since 2011[/caption]

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Brenda also revealed the mementos she kept hold of from set[/caption]

She said: “I have got the mac and hat! I think I’ve got the coat as well, the tweedy one.

“Although it looks like it’s been through the mill.

“It was a hard decision and come March when I would normally be getting ready to go back up there, I’ll probably be crying.

“As much as I loved all that, I’ve got a family at home and I realised I hadn’t had a summer for 14 years with my family.

“So I still did another series because I couldn’t drag myself away.

“But anyway it was time, that’s all.”

Brenda’s final episodes will air on January 1 and 2 at 8pm, with a factual special, Vera: Farewell Pet to follow on January 3 at 9pm.

All three episodes will air on ITV1 and later, streaming service ITVX.

Last month, Bafta winner Brenda teased how Vera will come to an end after 14 years on air.

During an event at the BFI in London celebrating the show’s success, the actress replied when asked about the finale: “No comment. I’m not going to tell you.”

However, she hinted at a rocky time ahead for DI Vera Stanhope and her colleague Joe Ashworth (David Leon).

It comes as David Leon reprised his role as Joe after ten years away from the ITV crime drama.

Brenda said: “Joe has something going on that he doesn’t want to talk about and Vera is anxious to get to the bottom of that.

“We know he came back to the area because his father was ill. He passed away we’ve already seen that.

“Joe doesn’t seem to have come out of that dungeon and Vera‘s concerned about that.”

In the meantime, the titular character faces a momentous change upon learning her boss intends to promote her.

Brenda said: “Vera‘s superior, the Chief Inspector, wants to promote her, and so it’s a big decision for Vera to make.”

With some fans fearing the beloved character could die, what will Vera’s fate look like by the show’s end?

Vera airs on ITV1 and ITV1X.

Rex

Vera will return for a 14th and final series in 2025[/caption]

THE stars of Gavin and Stacey have been bidding an emotional farewell to their characters and the series ahead of the last episode which airs on Christmas day.

Joanna Page, who has played the loveable Stacey since 2007 has been talking about how she found her last day filming particularly emotional.

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Joanna Page plays the loveable Stacey[/caption]

BBC

The cast of the classic comedy have reflected on their final moments together[/caption]

BBC

The comedy that brings together a Billericay boy and a Barry Island girl has run for three series on BBC[/caption]

She said: “Being on set for the last time with everybody for the last day was traumatic. I knew I was going to cry as soon as I walked on set.

“I saw Steve’s face, our first AD, and I just burst out crying. Then I saw Sophie Hebron, our second AD, and I burst out crying again.

“So then I went into my trailer and Julia Davis came in and sat with me, and I couldn’t stop crying, because it just felt it was such a huge journey that was ending.”

The comedy that brings together a Billericay boy and a Barry Island girl has run for three series on BBC and the festive specials have become must watch Christmas Day viewing.

This year will see the very last episode aired, written by two of its stars, Ruth Jones and James Corden, with fans keen to see a resolution to the last special’s cliff-hanger when Nessa proposed to Smithy in the street.

For Ruth, who plays Nessa, the final days of filming were a chance to look back at a fantastic era writing with her co-star.

She revealed that they have a special way of working together: “It’s always so enjoyable to be in the room writing with James.

“We act out the characters when we write – I love playing Bryn and Stacey and James does a great Pamelarr!”

Mathew Horne, who plays leading man Gavin, says that the script for the final episode was a joy to work with: “ It made me laugh, it made me cry and upon completion I thought it was nothing short of a masterpiece.

“Not just in terms of an episode of Gavin & Stacey, but frankly any script I’ve ever read.”

The iconic character of Uncle Bryn is played by Rob Brydon and he’s also been speaking about how emotional the last few days on set were.

He said he felt “Hugely emotional,” adding: “And it would hit me at times when we were filming big scenes with lots of people.

“We do a fair bit in Pam and Mick’s house, and just seeing everybody there, I would find myself filling up with tears just looking at them.

“That might sound a little bit overly dramatic I suppose to some people, but you have to understand that it’s been 17 years. That’s a long time. It was just wonderful, and unlike anything else I’ve ever done.

Fans will have to wait to see the resolution of the much loved tale but Joanna says that in the end the two main characters had an emotional moment together off camera.

She said: “I delivered my last lines, the way that I wanted to, and the way that I needed to, and then when they shouted, “it’s a wrap” and then they clapped all of us goodbye and I just hugged Mat, and we both stood there crying.

As a celebration of the final ever episode the BBC has produced a documentary to air on New Years Day looking back at the show’s 17 year history.

Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will air at 9pm on Christmas Day on BBC One and iPlayer

Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell will air at 7pm on New Years Day on BBC One and iPlayer.  

BBC

The iconic character of Uncle Bryn is played by Rob Brydon and he’s also been speaking about how emotional the last few days on set were.[/caption]

BBC

As a celebration of the final ever episode the BBC has produced a documentary to air on New Years Day looking back at the show’s 17 year history[/caption]

Rex

TEMPLEGATE takes on Tuesday’s racing confident of building the bank before Christmas.

He smashed in a 5-1 winning NAP on Monday and fancies his chances again.

STRICTLY TANGO (2.42 Uttoxeter, nap)

He already has a hurdles win on his CV and almost doubled that tally when a close second at Carlisle last time. He stayed on well and should appreciate Uttoxeter’s test from a fair mark.

JAGWAR (1.42 Uttoxeter, nb)

He has hardly put a foot wrong since going over fences with a debut win at Wetherby followed by a convincing Bangor success. He tanked along in north Wales and can improve past a 9lb walk up the weights.

MALINKA (1.00 Fontwell, treble)

Will relish this longer trip after a good third over two furlongs shorter at Leicester. She likes some cut in the ground and it’s still early days as a hurdler.

MR UBIQUITOS (4.30 Southwell, Lucky 15)

Did well to score at Kempton on handicap debut despite traffic problems. That was also his first crack at this trip which looks ideal again.

Templegate’s tips

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A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
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• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

GLASTONBURY fans are crossing their fingers that a massive rock band will play a secret set at the mega music festival.

Supporters of the English rock band Muse are convinced they will take to the stage when the festival returns in June next year.

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Glastonbury fans think they have worked out who might play a secret set next year[/caption]

PA:Press Association

It is hoped Muse might do a ‘ChurnUps’ style set[/caption]

PA:Press Association

Muse is fronted by Matt Bellamy[/caption]

Muse fans are hoping for another ‘ChurnUps’ type billing, with the group being revealed as the mystery set.

Last year, US rock band the Foo Fighters made a surprise appearance as the Friday night headline act.

The band, fronted by Dave Grohl, was only named as The ChurnUps on the billing beforehand, so their set came as a huge shock.

Piecing together clues, music fans are now hoping Muse – fronted Matt Bellamy – might pull the identical stunt next summer.

One wrote on Reddit: “A secret ChurnUps type set? They’ve gotta play somewhere, right.

“Doing a bunch of EU festivals, with nothing announced for the UK yet.

“Most other major festivals all announced their line-ups already. Either they’re at Glasto or they’re just not playing in the UK!”

Chiming in, someone else said: “Well we had Coldplay this year, Arctic Monkeys last year so it’s definitely Muse’s turn again next year before it goes back around to Arctic Monkeys again for the next one.”

And a third added: “It seems probable. If you see their social media they share a lot of their Glastonbury performances videos.”

Rumours are flying left, right and centre about next year’s Glastonbury Festival line-up.

There has also been chat that rock group Creed may play the festival for the first time, while whispers are rife that Olivia Rodrigo could headline.

Olivia is already set to headline BST Hyde Park on June 27 – which puts her in the country at the same time as Glastonbury.

“That’s our Saturday Pyramid headliner then,” one convinced fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Sir Rod Stewart WILL be taking to the stage at Worthy Farm in Somerset next year.

Rod, 79, said he will perform in the Sunday Legends slot.

Confirming the news on social media, he said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that I’ll be playing @glastofest 2025!

“After all these years, I’m proud and ready and more than able to take the stage again to pleasure and titillate my friends at Glastonbury in June. I’ll see you there!”

Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis also shared her delight at the news.

She said: “Bringing Sir Rod Stewart back for the Sunday afternoon slot on the Pyramid Stage is everything we could wish for.

“What a way to bow out with the final legends slot before we take a fallow year. We cannot wait.”

Rod’s daughter Ruby has now sparked rumours that he could be joined by two of his fellow legendary musicians on stage.

In a recent picture shared to Rod’s Instagram, he was smiling alongside Rolling Stones musician Ronnie Wood and The Small Faces and The Who drummer Kenney Jones.

Commenting below, Ruby sparked the Glastonbury trio rumour as she wrote: “Glasto reunion?”

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The Foo Fighters had been billed as The ChurnUps when they made a surprise appearance at Glastonbury 2023[/caption]

PEP GUARDIOLA will throw the ‘new Lionel Messi’ straight into Manchester City’s creaking squad next month.

Argentine starlet Claudio Echeverri, 18, arrives from River Plate — a year after a £12million deal was completed.

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Claudio Echeverri is arriving from Argentinians River Plate to help City[/caption]

City agreed to let him stay in his homeland for another season while  the South American giants hoped to keep him even longer.

But boss Guardiola has decided he wants to be able to call upon the attacking midfielder during the second half of the campaign.

So Echeverri is moving to England in the new year to spend the rest of the season training with the first team.

He will be available to step in straight away but is likely to need time to find his feet in his new surroundings.

City had previously considered sending the teenager to one of their sister clubs to gain some European experience.

That remains a possibility for the summer if the feeling is he is still not ready to challenge for a spot in Pep’s team.

But the Etihad boss admitted at the weekend he is desperately short of options after a pile-up of injuries.

And Echeverri will be given every chance to show he can play a part in the set-up.

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The reigning Premier League champions beat off competition from around the world as they clinched the signing of the Argentina Under-17s captain last winter.

His position and style have seen him compared to his country’s World Cup-winning skipper and Barcelona legend Messi — who Guardiola helped mould into a superstar at the helm of the Spanish giants.

Echeverri broke into River’s first team 18 months ago and has been playing regularly for them since.

His arrival comes in the wake of the news that the  hearing into the 130 breaches of Financial Fair Play rules levelled at City by the Premier League is now over.

A three-man panel, who have heard both sides over the last three months, will now consider the evidence before writing up the report.

While the earliest an outcome is expected to be known is spring, there are fears it could run into next season.

The hearing began on September 16 at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London and was originally scheduled to take ten weeks.

It has overrun by around a fortnight but it is understood closing statements were heard at the end of last week.

Abu Dhabi-owned City are also  accused of failing to co-operate with the investigation — which began in 2018 — of their alleged breaches of FFP.

If they are found guilty, they could face a huge points deduction which may condemn them to relegation.

But both sides would have the option to appeal against the decision if they are not satisfied — meaning it could be several more months before any such   penalties are imposed.

The 1% Club has returned with bang – and wiped out a staggering 20 contestants within the first minute.

Fans were left gobsmacked when the players were quickly eliminated as the popular quiz show returned to ITV for a new run.

ITV

Lee Mack returned with The 1% Club on Monday night[/caption]

Host Lee Mack was also stunned as one fifth of the contestants lost their place in the game over a very “simple” first question.

Lee had shown a graphic of a person holding the strings of a puppet.

He asked: “In order to move the puppet’s left arm, does the puppeteer need to move their own left hand or right hand?”

As the ’90 per cent question’, 90 out of the 100 players in the audience were expected to get it right.

But a whopping 20 got it wrong. The correct answer was ‘right hand’.

Gasping, Lee exclaimed: “Holy flips! We’ve lost 20 people!”

He added: “I don’t think we’ve ever had such a loud, ‘Oh my God’ on the show before!”

One player who answered incorrectly was a micro pig trainer called Scarlett.

She told Lee: “I don’t actually know my left and right so it was just close my eyes and guess.”

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, fans of The 1% Club were quick to share their amazement.

One wrote: “20 already?!”

Another added: “Unreal that 20 got that wrong!”

A third said: “Wtf 20 out on the 1st simple question.”

And another chimed in: “They lost 20 people on THAT? What literal Muppets!”

The 1% Club returned to ITV1 on Monday evening.

The episode finished with three contestants correctly answering the 1% question, which won them each a share of the £98,000 prize pot.

This week, four new episodes are running on the channel from Monday to Thursday evening (December 12).

Two 1% Club Christmas specials will also air this month, while Lee will front another episode in support of Soccer Aid.

The 1% Club first hit screens in 2022 and has fast become one of TV’s most popular game shows.

In September, it won Best Quiz Game Show at the National Television Awards for the third year in a row.

It faced stiff competition but still beat The Wheel, Beat The Chasers, Richard Osman’s House of Games, and Ant and Dec’s Limitless Win.

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The correct answer to the 90% question was the ‘right hand’[/caption]

ITV

Lee gasped as 20 players were instantly shut out[/caption]

ITV

Craig Hutchison has made another significant move to buy into WA basketball, with his SEN Teams group taking over as majority owners of the WNBL’s Perth Lynx.

Summer means a lot of things: hot weather, long nights and loud cicadas. And those noisy insects seem to be turning up the decibels this year.

Police made the discovery on Tuesday morning, with a spokesperson calling it a “sad set of circumstances”.

A man will face court on Tuesday after allegedly colliding with two police cars in the Perth CBD.