Brenda Blethyn, the acclaimed actress celebrated for her portrayal of DCI Vera Stanhope in ITV's long-running drama Vera, has provided a fresh insight into her unconventional domestic setup with husband Michael Mayhew. The couple, married for fifteen years, have been residing in separate apartments within the same building in Kent, a practical arrangement that has sparked considerable public interest.
A Practical Solution to Differing Comfort Needs
In a candid conversation with Prima magazine, Blethyn elaborated on the origins of this living situation, attributing it to fundamental differences in their personal comfort levels. The actress, who often feels too warm, found herself at odds with Mayhew, an art director who frequently feels the cold. This led to repeated disagreements over window-opening and heating, prompting a creative solution.
"My husband and I have taken the flat beneath ours," Blethyn explained. "He's always cold, I'm always hot, and I'd say, 'Oh, I'm going to open a window', and he'd say 'Oh, no, don't do that, turn the heat on,' so we needed a bigger place."
Not a Permanent Arrangement
While acknowledging that more couples are adopting similar living arrangements permanently, Blethyn was keen to stress that for her and Mayhew, this is a temporary measure. She clarified that the setup will be "readjusted once we find somewhere appropriate," dispelling any notions of it being a long-term separation. The couple's dog, she noted, seems particularly content with the arrangement, enjoying two different spaces, though showing a preference for her company.
The actress emphasised that this decision is purely practical and rooted in maintaining domestic harmony. "It works brilliantly," she told The Telegraph in a previous interview. "We eat together. We go out together. We live together, but in different apartments." This allows them both the personal space they need while preserving their relationship.
Life After Vera Stanhope
This update comes as Blethyn continues to adjust to life after her iconic fourteen-year role as the no-nonsense detective Vera Stanhope. Her departure from the hit ITV series in 2024, culminating in a Christmas special and a two-part finale, left fans stunned. At the time, she paid an emotional tribute to the show's creators, cast, crew, and loyal viewers.
"Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and I'm sad to be saying Cheerio," she stated. "But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen years." She expressed eternal gratitude to author Ann Cleeves for creating the character and to the production team for casting her.
Since leaving the series, Blethyn has been enjoying a slower pace of life, reflecting on future projects while navigating this unique chapter in her personal life with Michael Mayhew. Her story highlights a modern, pragmatic approach to marriage and cohabitation, prioritising comfort and harmony above conventional living standards.
