Brenda Blethyn and ann Cleeves RECEIVE Outstanding contribution awards at rts nORTH east and the borders 2025

The two women behind TV’s favourite North East detective have been honoured by the Royal Television Society.

Brenda Blethyn, who has played DCI Vera Stanhope for 14 years in the hit series Vera (produced by Silverprint Pictures for ITV), and Ann Cleeves who created the character, were presented with Outstanding Contribution awards at the Royal Television Society's North East and the Borders Awards ceremony in Gateshead on Saturday. 

On the night, RTS acknowledged the global popularity of the series and books, and celebrated the Vera phenomenon for sustained drama production in the North East for more than a decade, bringing thousands of visitors to see Vera’s iconic locations. 

Brenda ended the night with two awards, having also won for Drama Performance.