Brenda Blethyn, who is turning 80 later this month, has spoken about retiring after decades in the spotlight. In a recent interview with Prima Magazine, Brenda also shared a heartbreaking admission. The star, who hails from Ramsgate, made her television debut back in 1980 and was asked what she had learned from her experiences as a seasoned actor. Sharing a sad regret, the award-winning actress explained: “I regret that I didn’t speak up more, for fear of being ridiculed. I suppose I’m someone with imposter syndrome. I’m not as bad as I was, but I certainly had it when I was younger, and I wish I’d kicked that into touch.”

Brenda is perhaps best known for playing the no-nonsense Detective Chief Constable Vera Stanhope in the gripping ITV series, Vera, from 2011 until last year.

Reflecting on the role, she said she now "misses the assuredness I had with Vera".

The star continued: “I don’t mind still talking about Vera because I’m rather proud of her. I had to do the show for so long – it was 15 years if you count back to the pilot. She’s like an old friend.”

However, the actress doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon, despite turning 80 on February 20 as she's been busy filming A Woman Of Substance for Channel 4.

Brenda explained: “I’m lucky to have been working all this time. In fact, when I was 65, I was thinking, ‘Do I retire now? Maybe that’s what I’m supposed to do?’ And then Vera came along.

“Now I’m nearly 80, and I’m not thinking about retiring at all – though perhaps I will cut back a bit and spend more time at home.”

The March issue of Prima is now on sale with the full interview .