Chris Bennett was devastated when she learned Vera, the TV detective series, was ending after 14 seasons. She decided to book a flight to the UK and see the last episodes being filmed.
“I’ve only been watching Vera since last August, but as soon as I saw the first episode, I was hooked. It keeps you on the edge of your seat,” the Essendon local tells Woman’s Day. “So when I heard the series was ending, I thought I should try and watch the final episode being filmed.”
The long-running show, starring Brenda Blethyn as Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, is set in north-east England. Fans often tour the now famous filming locations along the Northumberland coast hoping to catch a glimpse of its star. But not many come all the way from Australia.
When Chris emailed the production company and they wouldn’t confirm whether there would be any filming during her visit. In true Vera-sleuthing style, she contacted a local newspaper for help.
HATCHING A PLAN
“That caused a snowball effect – it was unbelievable!” says Chris, 70, explaining that the email led to her trip being featured in the Newcastle Chronicle. “There was a big story about me coming 10,000 miles to see Brenda Blethyn!”
By the time Chris’ plane touched down in the UK, the piece had been published. Then Vera author Ann Cleeves had reached out on social media to request a meeting with the superfan. Chris also hatched a plan to try and meet Brenda at a summer fete she discovered the 78-year-old actress would be opening. But in the meantime she got to know Vera country.
“I visited castles and ruins. I went to Whitley Bay four times because Ann had produced a map of locations [in the books] so I found the sites along the beach,” Chris explains.
“It took almost an hour to go from one end to the other. I had to stop because the tide was coming in so I couldn’t get across to the lighthouse where another episode was filmed.”
Wherever she went, Chris was greeted by people who recognised her from the news story. The day of the fete, Chris was being interviewed by a local TV crew. They asked how it felt to be there when Brenda “popped out” from behind her.
“It was brilliant. We had a chat about this, that and the other. We didn’t mention Vera at all!” laughs Chris at the memory. “She grabbed me and gave me a big hug. It was just lovely. In interviews she comes across as a genial, kind, sensitive person and she was exactly that.”
MEETING THE AUTHOR
Meeting the Vera author the next day was just as special. “Ann asked if I would like to have afternoon tea with her. I was blown away to say the least,” says Chris.
They met in Whitley Bay, where Ann lives and much of Vera is filmed, and had a “nice afternoon chatting” about their love of libraries among other subjects. Once again, Chris admits, “We didn’t really talk about Vera!” but confirms that Ann was “an absolutely lovely person”.
FAVOURITE TV DETECTIVE
Before Chris left for home, there was a Vera coach tour to enjoy. While she already had her lookalike trench coat, Chris purchased a Vera-style fishing hat for the occasion so she was dressed the part as she visited landmarks and filming locations.
Now back in Australia, Chris is looking forward to next year’s Vera finale. But she admits, “It’s a bit devastating to see it going.” But afterwards, she will continue watching her favourite detective series again and again and reading her collection of Vera novels, including the new one, The Dark Wives, released in August.
“When Vera’s on, the phone doesn’t get answered. My cat, Snowy, sits on my knee and watches as well. He’s a fan too,” says Chris. “I think he likes Vera because a lot of it is set near water and there are always birds flying around. He just looks and his head nods away.”
VERA PICKS BY HER FAVOURITE FAN
Book
“The Seagull. Two bodies are discovered in Whitley Bay, some 20 years after they were buried. Vera and the team need to ascertain the murderer, which brings Vera into close contact with her father Hector’s past,” says Chris.
TV Episode
Chris’s favourite Vera episode is Little Lazarus from season one. “Vera saves the life of a little boy submerged under water after seeing his mother murdered. This episode really shows the empathy in Vera. The whole cast were superb and the plot was well written,” she says.
Location
Chris’s favourite Vera spots on her trip were Whitley Bay and Holy Island. “I love the ocean and beaches, and the beach at Whitley Bay surprised me with the expanse of sandy beach,” she says.
“There is a long promenade and a couple of cafes along the way if you get thirsty or want an ice-cream. At Holy Island, we trekked up to Vera’s cottage and I think there were a few tears of pure joy from me at seeing it.”
