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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

BBC Peaky Blinders viewers 'in tears' as show pays tribute to Helen McCrory

It is a moment fans have been waiting for - the return of Peaky Blinders.

The much-anticipated sixth, and final, series began on Sunday night (February 27).

But fans were soon left in tears as the show dedicated its first episode to the late Helen McCrory.

The actress, who starred as Shelby family matriarch Polly Gray in the hit crime drama in the previous five seasons, died from cancer aged 52 last April.

READ MORE: BBC Peaky Blinders: Cillian Murphy's real life, wife, accent and shunning fame

The programme addressed her absence at the start of the brand new series by writing her death into the plotline which causes members of the Shelby family to subsequently spiral.

A collage of scenes recapping the previous action was shown before the new episode where McCrory can be seen portraying her role as Polly.

The infamous Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, dramatically opens the first scene and soon has to come to terms with the consequences of his actions as a cart of dead bodies is delivered to his door.

The late Helen McCrory played Aunt Polly in the hit BBC series (TV Grab)

After opening the body bags whilst crying, the scene cuts to a portrait of Polly, implying that she is among the victims.

A funeral scene also aired, with Polly laid to rest alongside her portrait.

While watching the bodies burn in a memorial service, Polly’s son Michael, played by Finn Cole, says: "Mum, it was the ambitions and strategies of one man that caused this.

"And I swear on the devil of the almighty God, no matter what it takes, no matter how many lies I have to tell, I will take revenge on Tommy Shelby."

There were tears on and off screen (BBC)

The rest of the episode sees various members of the Shelby family spiraling as they come to terms with Polly's death.

And as the first of six episodes came to an end, a dedicated to McCrory flashed onto the screen.

"Dedicated to the memory of Helen McCrory OBE 'Polly Gray,'" the message read as birds chirped.

And fans were emotional.

"Sobbing at the opening scene of #PeakyBlinders That must’ve been so hard for the cast to film. They look heartbroken. Helen McCrory was truly outstanding," @WrightOnAir tweeted.

The first episode of series six was dedicated to Helen (BBC)

@charleeann24 said: "Well #PeakyBlinders had me crying in the first 5 minutes, RIP Helen McCrory, what an actress."

"Well that was emotional. A lovely dedication to Helen and Aunt Pol I think. #PeakyBlinders," @_nikkikitchen_ shared.

@CharlotteLRuff wrote: "Polly!! I knew it had to happen but I’m gutted! This show will miss Helen McCrory so much! #PeakyBlinders."

"Wow. Im in tears. What a tribute to the wonderful Helen McCrory. #PeakyBlinders won't be the same without Aunt Pol," @Mammabearto1 commented.

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