Brenda Blethyn, the beloved star of Vera, has revealed a shocking health scare that led to her being rushed to the hospital while filming the final episodes of the hit ITV show.

At 78 years old, Brenda, who has decided to retire from her iconic role as DCI Vera Stanhope, was struck by a sudden episode of Bell’s Palsy, a condition that causes weakness, usually on one side of the face. The terrifying incident occurred while Brenda was on set, and it took her makeup artist noticing something was wrong for her to realize she was affected.

Speaking to The Sun, Brenda recalled the moment when her face started to show signs of the disorder: “I got Bell’s palsy during one episode and my face was all… I think it happened on camera. The makeup artist started to notice it. What’s wrong with Brenda’s face? She’s winking at everybody – I blink a lot but there was only one eye that was going.”

She was immediately rushed to the hospital, where she received treatment. Thankfully, she was able to return to set and finish her work on the final episodes of Vera.

This incident adds to the list of challenges Brenda has faced while filming the long-running series, with the actress previously speaking about the grueling filming schedule. “When we finish filming, I always say, ‘I really don’t think I can do this anymore’,” she admitted to The Mirror. “Filming usually means six months away from home – and in 2022 it was the best part of 10 months. But then I have a rest, get my appetite back and change my mind.”

Brenda also shared what’s next for her after Vera, revealing she’s just finished working on a film written and directed by Paul Andrew Williams, though the title is still under wraps. As for the end of Vera, she called the experience a “joy from beginning to end,” reflecting on the incredible talent of the team and the support of the fans.

With the series coming to a close, Brenda expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Ann Cleeves, the creator of Vera, and the entire cast and crew. “I’ll be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role,” Brenda said. “The producers, dream cast and crew have been fabulous and I’m going to miss them, but I won’t forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter, or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the northeast and our fans worldwide.”

Don’t miss the final episodes of Vera as they air on New Year’s Day at 8pm on ITV.