Brenda Blethyn, 75, is returning to star as the titular character in the latest series of ITV detective drama Vera soon. However, some fans of the acclaimed actor may want to know a bit more about her life beyond the screen. The star has previously spoken about her personal life, including how her marriage with her first husband ended.
Brenda married her first husband when she was just 19 years old.
Named Alan Blethyn, he was a graphic designer who she met when working for British Rail in 1964.
However, the star has only spoken a few times about their marriage.
In an unearthed interview from 2013, she revealed why it came to an end.
READ MORE: Vera’s Brenda Blethyn excites fans on set for new ITV series
Soon after their divorce, the Vera star met her current partner, art director Michael Mayhew.
The couple were together for 35 years before they married in 2010.
In the same Guardian interview, Brenda opened up about their relationship.
She said: “My artist partner Michael Mayhew and I finally married three years ago, after a 35-year engagement.
“He is kind and honest – he tells the truth, even if it’s what you don’t want to hear, such as saying the Armani outfit I had bought to present an award at the Golden Globes in 1998 didn’t suit me.
“He was right, so I bought another outfit, which was much better.
“He is Taurus and I’m Pisces; my dad was Pisces and my mum was Taurus.
