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After stepping away from her much-loved role as DCI Vera Stanhope in ITV's acclaimed crime series Vera, Brenda Blethyn is now taking on intriguing new roles, with the historical comedy Fools among them.

The esteemed actress teams up with Karen Gillan and Jim Broadbent in Fools, a film that delves into the obscure tale of Mary Tudor's camaraderie with her lady court jester.

Brenda, aged 79, is currently filming the revival of A Woman of Substance, aiming to replicate the success of the 1984 television sensation that catapulted Jenny Seagrove into the limelight.

Set against the chaotic backdrop of 1553 following Henry VIII's demise, Fools tracks the ascension of England's inaugural Queen, Mary I, according to Hello!

The plot, outlined by Variety says: "While the ambitious Cardinal Pole plots to secure control, he overlooks a humble court jester, Jane Foole," reports .

It adds: ""The pious and apparently humourless queen finds Jane's brilliant slapstick routines uproariously funny, and they strike up a genuine friendship, the comedy lightening Mary's mood in the darkest of times, and helping fend off Pole's murderous manipulation. But can Jane's comedy save a nation from civil war?"

Guy Jenkin of Outnumbered fame is at the helm, directing a star-studded cast including Doctor Who alumnus Karen Gillan as Mary Tudor. The ensemble also features Patsy Ferran (Hot Milk, Miss Austen) starring as the jester and the iconic Jim Broadbent (Harry Potter, Moulin Rouge) portraying a conniving cardinal.

It is not yet known which role Brenda will play but Guy said of Fools: "I am thrilled to be working with such a supremely talented core group of actors on Fools. Together, we will tell the untold story of the strange friendship between England's first Queen, and her female jester. Fools will turn the conventions of a historical film inside-out, and promises to be subversive, striking and very funny."

Ryan Bennett of PaperEpic Productions extolled the project, saying: "With Fools, Guy has discovered a fascinating, hidden piece of history. This is a story where comedy actually saves lives. It's a defence of moderation, and a celebration of the power of laughter."

The film's production is slated for later this year, with its premiere date still under wraps.

Meanwhile, Brenda has been preoccupied with filming the Channel 4 reboot of A Woman of Substance, an Emmy-nominated series based on the 1979 novel recounting Emma Harte's rise from Yorkshire housemaid to successful department store magnate.

Vera is available to stream on ITVX