Peaky Blinders cast for season 6: Meet the returning characters and new faces
Who stars alongside Cillian Murphy in Steven Knight's critically-acclaimed series?
It's finally all over – the beloved BBC One crime drama Peaky Blinders season 6 has come to what was always certain to be a dramatic conclusion.
The series concluded on Sunday 3rd April 2022 in the UK, and two months later the series arrived on Netflix, but is now finally on Netflix UK and Ireland too.
In a special feature-length finale, we see most of the high-profile cast pop up for one last appearance, with the likes of Tom Hardy, Anya Taylor-Joy and Sam Claflin all putting on a show.
And according to one of the show's newer cast members, Erasmus "Duke" Shelby star Conrad Khan, the Peaky Blinders "fanbase will be pleased" with events in the series closer.
“I think the fanbase will be pleased with the way that Steven [Knight, the show's creator] has managed to tie certain things together. I think it's really well crafted, the final episode," he said in an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com.
Meanwhile, director Anthony Byrne previous gave a few hints about what to expect from the last episode, explaining that the Peaky Blinders finale was about "revenge".
"It feels very, very different to the rest of the season," he added. "It feels very, very different to anything that was done before, I would say. It's very epic in scope. It feels like a film. It's a kind of dry run for the feature film."
While the cast has included many fine actors this season, there's been one very notable absence. Tragically, Helen McCrory – who starred as Aunt Polly Gray – passed away in April 2021, with the show paying emotional tribute to her in the season opener.
Viewers described the touching tribute as "beautiful" and "poignant" as Polly got a proper send-off from the Shelby clan in episode one's Black Day.
Read on for the Peaky Blinders season 6 full cast rundown and if you want to know if the final season lives up to its promise, you can check out our Peaky Blinders season 6 review.
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Peaky Blinders season 6 cast: Meet the returning characters and new faces
The following main cast members appear in Peaky Blinders season 6.
- Cillian Murphy as Thomas "Tommy" Shelby MP, OBE
- Natasha O'Keeffe as Elizabeth "Lizzie" Shelby
- Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby Jr.
- Sophie Rundle as Ada Thorne
- Finn Cole as Michael Gray
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Gina Gray
- Sam Claflin as Sir Oswald Mosley
- Tom Hardy as Alfred "Alfie" Solomons
- Kate Phillips as Linda Shelby
- Aimee Ffion-Edwards as Esme Shelby-Lee
- Packy Lee as Johnny Dogs
- Ned Dennehy as Charlie Strong
- Harry Kirton as Finn Shelby
- Ian Peck as Curly
- Benjamin Zephaniah as Jeremiah Jesus
- Charlene McKenna as Captain Swing/Laura McKee
- Pauline Turner as Frances
- Amber Anderson as Lady Diana Mitford
- James Frecheville as Jack Nelson
- Neil Maskell as Winston Churchill
- Aneurin Barnard as Dr Holford
- Conrad Khan as Erasmus "Duke" Shelby
- Stephen Graham as Hayden Stagg
Here is all you need to know about these cast members...
Cillian Murphy plays Thomas "Tommy" Shelby MP, OBE
Who is Tommy Shelby? Tommy Shelby is the head of the Shelby crime family and the Labour MP for Birmingham. During the last batch of episodes, he attempted to bring down fascist Sir Oswald Mosley, but his plan was scuppered by an informant, which prompted his already fragile mental health to spiral out of control. In the final moments of season 5, Tommy held a gun to his own head and looked set to pull the trigger.
The new season sees Tommy come with a terrible loss and try to execute an ambitious business plan to make his Aunt Polly proud.
Where have I seen Cillian Murphy before? Cillian Murphy has appeared in a number of well-known titles including A Quiet Place Part II, Dunkirk, Inception, The Dark Knight trilogy, Girl with a Pearl Earring and 28 Days Later.
Natasha O'Keeffe plays Elizabeth "Lizzie" Shelby (née Stark)
Who is Lizzie Shelby? Lizzie Shelby is Tommy's second wife and former sex worker. They have one child together, Ruby, and Lizzie is also stepmother to Charles, Tommy's child from his romance with Grace (Annabelle Wallis). It's fair to say that their marriage has had more downs than ups on account of Tommy's erratic behaviour and his continuing to be haunted by his dark past, including the spectre of his first wife. The new season sees Lizzie attempt to hold her family together amid various absences from Tommy.
Where have I seen Natasha O'Keeffe before? In 2021, Natasha O'Keeffe appeared in sci-fi series Intergalactic. Other projects include Strike, Temple, Jekyll and Hyde and Misfits.
Paul Anderson plays Arthur Shelby Jr.
Who is Arthur Shelby Jr.? Arthur Shelby is the oldest of the Shelby siblings and is named after his late father.
Like Tommy, he also suffers from mental illness, which is exacerbated by his drinking and drug use, and he is prone to violent outbursts.
His marriage to Linda is currently in tatters after he violently assaulted one of her male acquaintances in a jealous rage, which prompted his wife to pull a gun on him. But before she could do any damage, Polly pulled the trigger on her.
In the sixth season, Arthur struggles with addiction and continued mental health problems. Can Arthur put his life back together?
Where have I seen Paul Anderson before? Paul Anderson has appeared in the films Legend, The Revenant and The Firm.
Sophie Rundle plays Ada Thorne (née Shelby)
Who is Ada Thorne? A former socialist activist, Ada Thorne is the lone female Shelby sibling who, after initially steering clear of her brothers' illegal activities, began working on the legitimate side of their business, as well as doing her best to keep her brothers in check.
In the new episodes, she struggles to fill the void left by her beloved aunt Polly Gray and takes on some dangerous new foes in the name of the family business.
Ada is the mother of one son, Karl Thorne, from her brief marriage to Freddie Thorne who died before the second season.
Where have I seen Sophie Rundle before? Sophie Rundle has starred in a number of well-known dramas including Gentleman Jack, The Nest, Elizabeth Is Missing, Jamestown, Bodyguard, Happy Valley and The Bletchley Circle.
Finn Cole plays Michael Gray
Who is Michael Gray? Michael Gray is Polly's son and is married to wealthy American beauty Gina. He previously admired Tommy and strived to impress him at every opportunity but over time, he grew in confidence and now views himself as a worthy contender to the Shelby patriarch.
The new season follows Michael after he swears vengeance on his cousin, blaming him for a terrible event that befalls the family. Just how far will his feud with Tommy go?
Where have I seen Finn Cole before? Peaky Blinders is Finn Cole's biggest role to date. Prior to that, his most sizeable project was US drama Animal Kingdom, which also revolves around a crime family, along with a turn as a young John Cena in Fast and Furious 9.
Anya Taylor-Joy plays Gina Gray
Who is Gina Gray? Gina Gray is Michael's ambitious wife and the one who encouraged him to move against Tommy in a bid to usurp his control as head of the family.
In the previous season, she also revealed that she was pregnant with Michael's baby, which is why the pair decided to get hitched.
In the new episodes, Gina plays an even more prominent role as her family connections play a role in Tommy's business plans. However, can anyone trust her?
Where have I seen Anya-Taylor Joy before? Anya Taylor-Joy stars in the Netflix drama The Queen's Gambit. Her other notable work includes Edgar Wright's Last Night in Soho, The New Mutants, Emma and M Night Shyamalan's Glass and Split.
Sam Claflin plays Sir Oswald Mosley MP
Who is Sir Oswald Mosley? Sir Oswald Mosley formed the British Union of Fascists in 1932. In Peaky Blinders, we witness his rise to prominence as he whips up right-wing tensions to further extend his support base and consolidate his power.
Mosley made significant gains in the last season, successfully dodging Tommy's efforts to destroy his movement, but will he experience the same success in season 6?
In the latest instalments, Mosley is joined by his mistress - and future wife - Lady Diana Mitford.
Where have I seen Sam Claflin before? Sam Claflin has appeared in Enola Holmes, Me Before You with Emilia Clarke and The Hunger Games franchise.
Tom Hardy plays Alfred "Alfie" Solomons
Who is Alfie Solomons? Alfie Solomons is a Jewish gangster who was running an illegal distillery. He was one of Tommy's many, many enemies across the lifespan of the series, with their feud coming to a head when Alfie betrayed Tommy to help Italian mobster Luca Changretta.
At the end of season 4, the pair engaged in a shootout on a beach, during which Alfie took a bullet to the face, which he was miraculously revealed to have survived in the finale of the fifth season.
Given that Tommy is now on a mission to take down Mosley, we can safely assume that he will be working with Alfie in season 6 to make that happen. The new episodes see Tommy approach Alfie with an offer that he likely can't refuse.
Where have I seen Tom Hardy before? A better question would probably be, 'Where haven't we seen Tom Hardy before?' His credits include the Venom films, Capone, Dunkirk, Taboo, The Revenant, Legend, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Dark Knight Rises, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Inception, Bronson and much more.
Kate Phillips plays Linda Shelby
Who is Linda Shelby? Linda Shelby is Arthur's wife, who tried and failed to use religion to put her husband on the straight and narrow. When we last saw her, their relationship was in an incredibly toxic place, with Linda also drinking heavily and using drugs. She pulled a gun on Arthur but was shot by Polly.
For a while, fans of the show believed that Linda was dead, but she recovered from her wounds before leaving Arthur and his family behind. She corresponds with Tommy in the final season and seems to be in a forgiving mood. Will she and Arthur reconcile?
Where have I seen Kate Phillips before? Viewers will recognise Kate Phillips from Miss Scarlet and the Duke, The English Game, Princess Mary in the Downton Abbey movie, and Winston Churchill's young secretary Venetia Scott in The Crown and Wolf Hall.
Aimee-Ffion Edwards plays Esme Shelby-Lee
Who is Esme Shelby-Lee? Esme Shelby-Lee was married to John Shelby, who was killed in the first episode of season 4. The pair initially married to keep the peace between the Lee and Shelby families but grew to care for one another.
Following John's death, she turned her back completely on the Shelbys and was last seen in season 4.
However, Tommy soon turns to his widowed sister-in-law for help in desperate times in the show's final season.
Where have I seen Aimee-Ffion Edwards before? Aimee-Ffion Edwards has appeared in Skins, War of the Worlds, Keeping Faith, Curfew, Detectorists and Luther, plus much more.
Charlene McKenna plays Captain Swing/Laura McKee
Who is Captain Swing? Captain Swing is a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) introduced in the fifth season. She previously warned Tommy not to trust Michael after she claimed he was spotted liaising with the Billy Boys and men from the loyalist Ulster Volunteer Force.
Swing even offered to have Michael killed, but Tommy declined. Swing also expressed an interest in working with Tommy following his pivot to socialism.
The two prove to be uneasy allies in the show's final season after Captain Swing does something horrifying.
Where have I seen Charlene McKenna before? Charlene McKenna has appeared in Bloodlands, Vienna Blood, Death and Nightingales and Ripper Street.
Packy Lee plays Johnny Dogs
Who is Johnny Dogs? Johnny Dogs is one of Tommy's closest allies. He isn't afraid to get his hands dirty if asked.
Where have I seen Packy Lee before? Packy Lee has enjoyed a number of minor roles in titles such as Pixie, The Witcher, The Bill, Murphy's Law and more.
Benjamin Zephaniah plays Jeremiah "Jimmy" Jesus
Who is Jeremiah "Jimmy" Jesus? Jimmy Jesus is a street preacher and Isaiah's father. He served alongside Tommy in the army and has remained a close companion ever since.
Where have I seen Benjamin Zephaniah before? Peaky Blinders is one of Benjamin Zephaniah's few acting roles. He is a writer, poet and activist.
Ned Dennehy plays Charlie Strong
Who is Charlie Strong? Charlie Strong isn't related to the Shelbys, but he's one of Tommy's most trusted men and is happy to lend a hand whenever asked.
Where have I seen Ned Dennehy before? Ned Dennehy has appeared in Outlander, Dublin Murders, Good Omens and Dickensian.
Neil Maskell plays Winston Churchill MP
Who is Winston Churchill? Only the most iconic British politician of all time, Winston Churchill has been an ally to Tommy Shelby on more than one occasion. Churchill only appears in one episode in a silent cameo.
Where have I seen Neil Maskell before? The English actor is best known for his roles in the films The Football Factory, Kill List, Happy New Year, Colin Burstead and the series Utopia.
Harry Kirton plays Finn Shelby
Who is Finn Shelby? Finn is the youngest Shelby sibling and a hot-headed member of the Peaky Blinders. In the final season, Finn becomes a married man to his wife Mary Bone and faces a choice between a friend and his family.
Where have I seen Harry Kirton before? Peaky Blinders is Harry Kirton's most notable role to date as he has otherwise worked as a model.
Daryl McCormack plays Isaiah Jesus
Who is Isaiah? Isaiah is also one of the Peaky Blinders and Jimmy Jesus's son. He proves helpful to Ada Thorne in the new episodes and must deal with a more erratic Arthur and a less present Finn.
Where have I seen Daryl McCormack before? Actor Daryl McCormack has featured in The Wheel of Time, I Am, Pixie, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, and Bad Sisters to name just a few.
Emmett J Scanlan plays Billy Grade
Who is Billy Grade? Billy Grade was a professional footballer who turned his attention to singing. He first came into contact with the Peaky Blinders when they ask him to use his contacts to fix football matches and horse races. The character faces some tough choices in the final season.
Where have I seen Emmett J Scanlan before? Emmett J Scanlan has appeared in The Tower, Kin, The Deceived, Gangs of London, Butterfly, Safe, Hollyoaks and more.
Pauline Turner plays Frances
Who is Frances? Frances is the loyal housekeeper for Tommy Shelby at Arrow House and has served him loyally throughout her time there.
Where have I seen Pauline Turner before? Scottish actress Turner has had roles in the film T2 Trainspotting and a television adaptation of Martin Chuzzlewit along with a guest turn on Casualty.
Amber Anderson plays Lady Diana Mitford
Who is Lady Diana Mitford? A real-life historical figure, Lady Diana Mitford was a wealthy upper-class English socialite and member of the aristocracy who went on to marry Sir Oswald Mosley and was known for harbouring fascist views similar to her husband. Diana married Mosley in Nazi Germany in the home of Joseph Goebbels with Adolf Hitler as a guest.
In the series, Diana proves a cold and calculating fascist figure with an interest in the Shelby family and Tommy, in particular.
Where have I seen Amber Anderson before? You can watch Amber Anderson in The Souvenir: Part II, Emma, Strike, Maigret, The Riot Club and Black Mirror's The Waldo Moment.
James Frecheville plays Jack Nelson
Who is Jack Nelson? Jack Nelson is the powerful uncle of Gina Gray and Michael Gray's boss in the United States. Running a powerful export business and being friends with the US elite, Nelson is a formidable opponent.
Nelson made his debut in the second episode of the season and his fascist leanings were revealed. Will he prove a danger to Tommy Shelby?
Where have I seen James Frecheville before? James Frecheville's CV includes The Pursuit of Love, Requiem, The Stanford Prison Experiment and Animal Kingdom.
Stephen Graham plays Hayden Stagg
Who is Hayden Stagg? "I hear there are some men here from Birmingham looking for me," says Graham's character in a teaser trailer. But what do they want with him? And is he an ally or a foe? Hayden Stagg made his debut in the season's third episode as a Liverpudlian docks worker who stole from the Peaky Blinders but has a way with words that connect with Arthur Shelby. Will Stagg prove a positive or negative influence on the Shelbys?
Where have I seen Stephen Graham before? You'll recognise Stephen Graham from a multitude of well-known titles including Help, Venom: Let There Be Carnage The North Water, Boiling Point, Time, Save Me, White House Farm, The Irishman, The Virtues, Rocketman, Line of Duty, Little Boy Blue, Taboo, This Is England and Boardwalk Empire.
Conrad Khan plays Erasmus "Duke" Shelby
Who is Duke? Duke Shelby is the illegitimate son of Tommy Shelby and was introduced in the fourth episode of the season. The character plays a pivotal role in the final two episodes.
Relative newcomer Conrad Khan told RadioTimes.com that filming the series was "super enjoyable", adding: "It was such an amazing experience. I met a lot of highly esteemed actors. It feels like a different world now because I’ve just been at home, working on my uni stuff and reading, so it does feel like a different world."
Where have I seen Conrad Khan before? You can watch Conrad Khan in season 2 of Baptiste, the British drugs drama County Lines and the Smithereens episode of Black Mirror. Khan was nominated for the EE BAFTA Rising Star award in 2021.
Aneurin Barnard plays Dr Holford
Who is Dr Holford? A medical professional who provides Tommy Shelby with some life-changing news.
Where have I seen Aneurin Barnard before? The Welsh actor is best known for his roles as King Richard III in the drama series The White Queen, Davey in Hunky Dory, Bobby Willis in Cilla, Tim in Thirteen, William in Dead in a Week (Or Your Money Back), and Boris Pavlikovsky in The Goldfinch. Barnard also appeared alongside Cillian Murphy in the Christopher Nolan film Dunkirk.
Who doesn't appear in Peaky Blinders season 6?
As mentioned previously, the death of actress Helen McCrory meant that Elizabeth "Polly" Gray had to be written out of the series, with the character being killed off-screen before the events of the first episode.
However, Polly does appear via archive footage and audio throughout the season.
Additionally, a number of characters were killed in the fifth season meaning they will not return.
These include Jack Rowan as Bonnie Gold, Kingsley Ben-Adir as Colonel Ben Younger, Cosmo Jarvis as Barney Thompson, and Aidan Gillen as Aberama Gold.
Meanwhile, despite appearing prominently as a ghost in the fifth season, Annabelle Wallis does not reprise her role as Tommy's beloved first wife, Grace Shelby.
Finally, despite escaping a comeuppance in the fifth season, Jimmy McGovern (Brian Gleeson) and the Billy Boys gang do not appear in the final season and their absence is not explained.
- Read More: Peaky Blinders movie: Release date speculation, cast, latest news
- Read More: Why won’t there be a Peaky Blinders season 7? Steven Knight explains
- Read More: Peaky Blinders season 6 ending explained: What happened to Tommy Shelby?
- Read More: Peaky Blinders director responds to season 6 criticism: "It has to evolve"
- Read more: Who is Duke Shelby in Peaky Blinders? Actor and character details explained
- Read More: Who is Diana Mitford in Peaky Blinders season 6?
- Read More: Peaky Blinders’ Captain Swing explained: Why did she kill Polly?
- Read More: Peaky Blinders' Amber Anderson says viewers will be "quite shocked" by what’s in store
- Read More: Peaky Blinders' star reacts to shocking episode 1 reveal
- Read More: Peaky Blinders season 6 premiere is show's biggest ever launch
- Read More: Peaky Blinders' Steven Knight teases Alfie Solomons "chaos" in season 6
Peaky Blinders is available to catch up on BBC iPlayer in the UK now, and on Netflix for international viewers. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight.
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