Brenda Blethyn, the acclaimed actress known for her role as DCI Vera Stanhope in the beloved ITV series, has sparked curiosity with her unique living arrangement. In an interview with The Telegraph, she revealed that she and her husband of 15 years, Michael Mayhew, live in separate flats, a practice gaining traction as the "LAT" (Living Apart Together) trend. This arrangement allows them to maintain their independence while still enjoying a close relationship. Brenda's openness about this lifestyle has sparked interest and even sparked a debate about modern relationships.
The LAT trend, as Brenda explains, offers the freedom to make personal choices, be it listening to the radio or inviting friends over. She and Michael, who live in a flat in Ramsgate, have a harmonious routine, eating and going out together despite their separate living spaces. This approach has been embraced by other celebrities, including Succession star Brian Cox, who also lives in separate flats with his wife.
Brenda's journey to this unconventional living situation began with her first marriage to Alan James Blethyn from 1964 to 1973. She met Michael in 1975 at the National Theatre, where he later became the art director. They married in 2010 and share a 10-year-old cockerpoo named Jack. While they don't have children, Brenda's love for her dog is evident, as Jack often accompanies her to work, even on the set of Vera.
Brenda's role as Vera Stanhope brought her immense success and recognition, including a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. Her performance as the sharp yet disheveled detective in the long-running ITV crime drama earned her an Outstanding Contribution award at the TV Choice Awards. The series' emotional finale, which aired in January 2025, saw Vera retire from policing, walking along a beach with her stray dog, symbolizing her enduring impact on viewers.
Now, Brenda is set to take on a new challenge with her role in the British indie film Dragonfly, where she plays Elsie, an elderly woman exploring the complexities of elder care. The film's synopsis hints at a compelling narrative, with Elsie's friendship with her younger neighbor, Colleen, facing challenges from her resentful son. Dragonfly is available in cinemas from November 7th, offering audiences a chance to witness Brenda's transformative performance.
