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Stephanie Colderick

The Peaky Blinders original cast and what happened to them next

Popular BBC drama Peaky Blinders about the infamous Birmingham gang has been a huge success with millions of viewers tuning in.

The sixth and final series is coming out later this year. The BBC has not yet released the air date, but it is sure to serve up the crime, romance, and tensions the show is best known for.

You can read more TV news here.

Following main character Tommy Shelby and his gang family, the notorious Peaky Blinders will face the struggles and trials of a new enemy and the rise of Hitler.

Originally aired on BBC Two in 2013, before moving to BBC One for the fourth series, the drama was an instant hit and many original cast members have appeared in every series.

However, some are no longer in the show, and here is a look back at where the series one cast are now.

Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby

Playing the easily recognisable lead role of the gang and family leader Tommy Shelby is the talented Irish actor Cillian Murphy.

Cillian has played Tommy in all five series to date and will continue his role in series six. During his time in the drama he has also starred in the film Aloft and 2017 movie, Dunkirk.

Helen McCrory as Polly Shelby

Before her death Helen McCrory played Polly Shelby (BBC)

Sadly, Helen McCrory, who played the feisty aunt of the family, Polly Shelby, passed away in 2021 from breast cancer.

At the time she was filming for series six of The Peaky Blinders and it is unconfirmed if she will appear.

Before her death she played Polly from the first to the fifth series and also appeared in the 2015 film, The Woman in Black: Angel of Death and the popular BBC drama, His Dark Materials, from 2019 to 2020.

Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby

In the role of the oldest brother of the family, Arthur Shelby is Paul Anderson and he has been in all six series of The Peaky Blinders.

He also appeared in the 2018 film Robin Hood and the 2021 film Nightmare Alley.

Sophie Rundle as Ada Thorne

As the only female and sister in the Shelby family, Ada Thorne often clashes with Tommy and her brothers and she is played by Sophie Rundle.

The actress has been in all series of the show and also had some impressive roles alongside the Peaky Blinders including Kirsten McAskill in Happy Valley, Vicky Budd in Bodyguard, and Ann Walker in Gentleman Jack.

Joe Cole as John Shelby

Joe's character John Shelby was killed off in the fourth series (Cynon Valley Leader)

Playing the third youngest Shelby brother, John Shelby, is Joe Cole. In the TV series John was married to Esme and tragically killed off in the fourth series.

Since Peaky Blinders he has starred in Black Mirror, Gangs of London, and the 2022 film, Against the Ice.

Alfie Evans-Meese as Finn Shelby

In the role of the youngest Shelby brother, Finn Shelby, for one series before the role is taken over by Harry Kirton is Alfie Evans-Meese.

The child actor has also starred in Doctors and Crimewatch UK.

Tommy Flanagan as Arthur Shelby senior

The Shelby brothers' father, Arthur Shelby senior, abandoned the family when the children were young and makes his return in series one, played by Tommy Flanagan, to attempt to get money off them.

Tommy is known for his role of Tullk in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 and has also been in the 2017 film Papillon and TV series Wu Assassins.

Sam Neill as Chief Inspector Chester Campbell

In the role of the main enemy of Tommy and his gang in series one, Chief Inspector Chester Campbell, is the New Zealand actor Sam Neill and he remains in the show until series two.

The star has had an impressive career including appearing in the 2017 film Thor: Ragnarok, and Peter Rabbit.

Annabelle Wallis as Grace Shelby nee Burgess

Annabelle Wallis also took the lead role in the horror film, Annabelle (BBC/Mandabach/Tiger Aspect/Matt Squires)

Starting out working against Tommy, Grace Burgess, and Tommy quickly fall in love, making their relationship very complicated. She is not yet married to Tommy in series one and is played by Annabelle Wallis. Grace was killed off in series three.

In 2014 she starred as the lead in the horror film Annabelle and also has a recurring role in a Star Trek TV series.

Iddo Goldberg as Freddie Thorne

The Communist husband of Ada, Freddie Thorne, is played by Iddo Goldberg and is only seen in series one, with series two starting with his funeral.

Iddo has gone on to star in Salem and Westworld and the 2017 film, The Zookeeper's Wife.

Ned Dennehy as Charlie Strong

Irish actor Ned Dennehy plays the character known as Uncle Charlie, and is the Shelby brothers' uncle on their mother's side, remaining in all five series.

Ned has also been in the TV series, Outlander and The Young Offenders, and the 2020 film Pixie.

Charlie Creed-Miles as Billy Kimber

Charlie Creed-Miles is only seen in series one as Billy Kimber, leader of rival gang, The Birmingham Boys, who own and run the races.

Charlie has since appeared in Death in Paradise, Silent Witness, and the 2017 film, Romans.

Benjamin Zephaniah as Jeremiah Jesus

Famous poet Benjamin Zephaniah took the role of Jeremiah Jesus (BBC)

Preacher and friend of the Peaky Blinders, Jeremiah Jesus is played by Benjamin Zephaniah and he has been in every series so far.

Benjamin is known for his work as a poet and a musician and in December, 2019, he publicly supported Jeremy Corbyn and Labour in the election.

Andy Nyam as Winston Churchill

Making a very brief appearance in series one is Andy Nyam as Winston Churchill, later to be replaced by Richard McCabe for series two and Neil Maskell in series five.

Since The Peaky Blinders, Andy has been in Shaun the Sheep and the 2021 film Jungle Cruise.

Natasha O'Keeffe as Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Shelby nee Stark

Not yet married to Tommy Shelby in series one is Lizzie Stark, played by Natasha O'Keeffe, who plays a prostitute and later becomes Tommy's wife.

Natasha remains in the series as Lizzie and has also been in other TV series Intergalactic and Temple.

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