logo
Inside troubled Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson's chaotic life… from crack cocaine scandal to partying with Tyson Fury

Inside troubled Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson's chaotic life… from crack cocaine scandal to partying with Tyson Fury

The Sun03-05-2025

HE plays a sharp-suited gangster in one of the nation's most treasured TV series.
But in real life, Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson - the face of the formidable Arthur Shelby Jr - has been plagued by health fears, rumoured career setbacks and criminal charges.
15
15
15
Anderson, 46, has hit the headlines - and sparked concern among his fans - in recent years after being pictured looking dishevelled and being caught in possession of crack cocaine.
And now, after pals expressed fears he was on a 'downward spiral', the actor has reportedly gone missing from his £1.2million London home after getting back in trouble with the law.
The 50-year-old, who has a two-year-old son, Bud, has recently been convicted of riding a BMW motorbike without insurance in an affluent part of the capital, according to MailOnline.
The incident, which happened near Lord's Cricket Ground last August, came just months after Anderson smiled beside a state-of-the-art electric BMW bike for an Instagram photo.
'She's a blinder,' wrote Anderson, sharing that he had 'spent weeks' working with BMW to 'customise the release of the highly anticipated vibrantly different and electric CE02'.
The star failed to attend his hearing at Bexley Magistrates Court in south-east London in March - where he was found guilty of the charge - amid claims he is now untraceable.
Authorities who are looking into another matter - Anderson's alleged failure to attend a follow-up meeting with a social worker after he pleaded guilty to possessing crack cocaine in January last year - reportedly can't locate the actor's current whereabouts.
But bizarrely, despite the 'missing' claims, Anderson has just given a rare interview to a local Scottish newspaper ahead of a planned appearance in Dundee in June.
During the interview, the dad made a cryptic comment about the new series of Peaky Blinders - set to begin filming this summer - and revealed his surprise friendship with boxing legend Tyson Fury.
He told The Courier that he'd been 'good friends' with the Gypsy King 'for a while now'.
'Tyson's invited me to a few big fights and I've been out ringside with his excellency watching some of the best boxers in the world,' claimed Anderson.
He added: 'I'm in talks about being an ambassador in Saudi Arabia for boxing.'
Anderson - once a working-class lad who left school at 14 - is beloved for his role in Peaky Blinders, where he stars alongside Oscar winner Cillian Murphy (Tommy Shelby).
Return to the Peaky Blinders
15
15
This week, The Sun revealed that a new series of the hit BBC crime drama will be filmed this summer, with episodes hopefully ready to air in 2026.
The show's sixth series saw the Birmingham gangsters in the 1930s, while an upcoming Netflix film related to the series, which stars Murphy, is set during the Second World War.
The new series is likely to move the cast into the Fifties — an era known for violent mobs of Teddy Boys and the rise of notorious East London ­villains the Kray twins.
A TV insider said: 'The sixth series of Peaky Blinders was supposed to be the last and the movie was meant to be the final farewell for the story.
'But show boss Steven Knight couldn't resist coming back to the story — his most famous creation — and he's been dropping hints he wanted to return to do more.
'The fact that it's been officially green-lit by the Beeb and wheels are in motion on pre- production will be a huge thrill to fans of the show, which was a huge hit for the BBC.'
Amid his troubles, it has been reported that Anderson missed out on filming the Peaky Blinders movie and has been making £150-per-message from personalised Cameos.
But the actor recently hinted at his potential involvement in the seventh Peaky Blinders series.
'There's more to come on that,' he told The Courier, revealing he'd signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). 'There's a movie to come and then there's possible talk on another season. We've all sworn a secrecy thing with that one so I can't really say much.'
Admitting struggles
15
Last summer, Anderson opened up about 'struggling' in an Instagram clip - amid concerns from pals that he was on a 'downward spiral' and 'living like he is on another planet'.
He said: "Just like you, search inside, find it for yourself, overcome the struggles, the tribulations, the pain that you are feeling. Because there is no story without struggle."
The star, who has previously spoken of battling with self-doubt, continued: "Take it from me, I have struggled, and I struggle today, the same way you do, and we deal with it.
"If I can help you deal with your struggles, then let's do it together, let's make this the first of many conversations, because you can't do it on your own, you need help.
"And I will say this one more thing to you, you can help others, in turn, it will help you. It's called service. So turn around my friend, look for somebody else who also is suffering, and hard as you may find it, help them, because you'll find it helps you more, believe it or not.
"Remember this, we are amazing. You are unbelievable."
Just weeks earlier, Anderson had been pictured topless near his north London home.
The new dad was seen flashing his chest tattoos in the sunshine, with a green jumper tied around his waist and a lighter in his hand.
Fears for health
15
A local shopkeeper, who considered Anderson a friend, told MailOnline at the time: 'It's heartbreaking. He's a mess. But his erratic behaviour is causing real problems.
'He often seems dazed and not with it.'
The shopkeeper claimed Anderson had been arguing with locals and was struggling to walk.
'He looks out of control. It's tragic,' the friend said.
It wasn't the first time the star's look had sparked concern - in February last year, Anderson took to Instagram to reassure his fans after photos emerged of him looking unrecognisable.
In the pictures, he looked worlds away from his suited-and-booted character as he shopped at a London bakery wearing a chunky cream fleece and a leopard print hoodie.
Anderson appeared downbeat, with his complexion pale.
But in an Instagram post, he revealed the reason behind his appearance, writing: "Back to business and back on set today! Thank you for all your love and concern to everybody.
"I was and have been absolutely flattened by the flu."
Last November, Anderson unveiled another look - shaved, bleach-blonde hair, a far cry from the iconic shaved sides and long-on-top style he's known for sporting as Arthur.
The look led disappointed fans to conclude he wouldn't be appearing in the upcoming film.
Trouble with the law
15
15
Aside from Anderson's appearance, his criminal past has worried fans.
The Sun reported in December 2023 how the actor - who has had plot lines involving drugs on Peaky Blinders - was caught with crack cocaine on Boxing Day in Camden.
Anderson, who also starred alongside Tom Hardy in the Kray twins biopic Legend, pleaded guilty to possessing the Class A drug, as well as Class B amphetamines and two Class C prescription substances. He was fined £1,345 after appearing in front of magistrates.
However, according to MailOnline, Anderson then allegedly failed to attend a follow-up meeting with a social worker to determine whether he was at risk of being a drug addict.
'You failed to attend an initial assessment to establish whether you were dependant upon or had a propensity to misuse a Class A drug,' said a court summons from January this year.
Although an arrest warrant was issued, it was reportedly withdrawn several weeks ago because Anderson could not be traced. Scotland Yard told the news site inquiries were ongoing.
Collapsed relationship
15
Before he was caught with crack cocaine, Anderson's love life had been dealt a blow, with the actor having split quietly from his jewellery designer girlfriend, Steph Clark.
A source said at the time: 'Paul and Steph broke up a while ago and long before he got into trouble with the police. She's busy cracking on with her life and only wishes him the best.
'Paul has had a hard time but those around him are confident he'll get back on his feet.'
Anderson, who also stars in The Gray House, had kept his relationship with Steph out of the spotlight.
He has done the same with his role as father to toddler Bud - though he gushed this week about the opportunity his son has given him, saying it surpassed any acting job.
'Being a father is the greatest role I've ever had,' he told The Courier.
'It's the greatest part I've ever played.'
The Sun has contacted Anderson's agents for comment.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Timeline of deadly plane crashes involving UK flights
Timeline of deadly plane crashes involving UK flights

South Wales Argus

time19 minutes ago

  • South Wales Argus

Timeline of deadly plane crashes involving UK flights

Here is a timeline of some of the previous worst crashes involving flights to or from UK airports. – June 1967 A British Midland flight crashed in Stockport, a short distance from Manchester airport, carrying holidaymakers returning from Majorca, Spain. The incident killed 72 people. – November 1967 All 37 people onboard Iberia Airlines flight 062 from Malaga, Spain, to Heathrow died when it crashed into Blackdown Hill in West Sussex. – January 1969 Fifty people died when an Ariana Afghan Airlines plane crashed on approach to Gatwick airport. – June 1972 A British European Airways plane crashed in Staines, Surrey, shortly after taking off from Heathrow airport. All 118 passengers and crew died. – August 1985 A British Airtours plane bound for Corfu, Greece, caught fire on the runway at Manchester airport. Eighty people escaped but 55 were killed, mostly by smoke inhalation. – December 1988 All 259 passengers and crew and 11 people on the ground were killed when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded above the Scottish town of Lockerbie 40 minutes into its flight from London Heathrow to New York. It remains the UK's deadliest terrorist atrocity. Former Libyan intelligence officer Abdelbaset al-Megrahi is the only man convicted in relation to the bombing. – January 1989 Forty-seven people were killed and 67 were seriously injured when a British Midland 737 plane crashed while trying to make an emergency landing at East Midlands airport following an engine fire. It struck the M1 in Kegworth after failing to reach the runway.

Popular Scottish island music festival announces 2025 line-up
Popular Scottish island music festival announces 2025 line-up

The National

time27 minutes ago

  • The National

Popular Scottish island music festival announces 2025 line-up

The Tiree Music Festival (TMF), which takes place on the Isle of Tiree between July 11 to 13, will feature the brightest lights in pop, indie, folk and trad including supergroups Skerryvore and Skippinish who are set to perform on the Big Top stage. Acts already announced for TMF's 13th edition include Gaelic trad band Mànran, folk fusion duo The Laurettes and singer-songwriter Kirsteen Harvey. (Image: Tiree Music Festival) The festival's final day will hold an anniversary celebration, with Mànran marking 15 years together and artist Scott Wood celebrating a decade since the release of his acclaimed album Upsurge. Trail West will also be reflecting on 15 years of music, and Highland favourites Torridon celebrating 20 years together. READ MORE: Scotland's rarest and most stunning wild animals to see if you're lucky Rising star Callum Beattie has also been added to the TMF bill and is the final headliner to be announced. Having established himself as one of Scotland's premiere independent artists, he is now swapping the streets of Musselburgh for stages across the UK to embark on a tour. Callum Beattie (Image: Tiree Music Festival) He will perform at TMF alongside several other young Scottish artists, such as Ben Walker and Amy Papiransky. Beattie said: 'Tiree is one of my favourite places on earth, and it's the only Scottish festival we are playing this year, before our Hydro show in November. I love it there – great music and great people.' Daniel Gillespie, artistic director for Tiree Music Festival, said: 'TMF is all about providing a platform for independent artists who capture the hearts and imaginations of our audiences and we know how beloved Callum is among Tiree audiences.' Many up-and-coming indie artists are also set to take the stage this summer including social media sensation Jarad Rowan, Lochaber singer-songwriter Little Win, and trad bands Heron Valley and Culla. Glasgow busking sensation Maria McAveety, and the four-piece Fèis Phàislig Ceilidh Trail will also perform across the weekend. The festival's 2025 theme is "Myths and Legends" and will bring the folklore of Tiree to life for visitors, while silent discos, and a kids area with sandpits, slimebaths, tug o' war and storytelling, will also be on offer. READ MORE: Yellow weather warning issued for parts of Scotland for thunderstorms Special film screenings will run across the weekend from Screen Argyll, including a showing of Disney's Brave introduced by the voice of the soundtrack herself, Julie Fowlis. In a Scottish music festival first, attendees will be offered sauna experiences from Spear Sauna situated on the beachfront. The festival will also feature sound bath relaxation sessions and seaweed foraging walks as well as existing activities such as beach yoga, surf lessons, and tours to Tyree Distillery. Tiree Music Festival will take place between July 11 to 13. A limited number of tickets remain at with foot passenger ferry spaces only available via CalMac

BBC Morning Live's Gethin Jones set to star in Cardiff's Christmas panto
BBC Morning Live's Gethin Jones set to star in Cardiff's Christmas panto

Wales Online

time29 minutes ago

  • Wales Online

BBC Morning Live's Gethin Jones set to star in Cardiff's Christmas panto

BBC Morning Live's Gethin Jones set to star in Cardiff's Christmas panto Gethin Jones will be joining two other well-known Welsh broadcasters in this year's Christmas pantomime held in Cardiff's New Theatre. The cast has been announced for The New Theatre's Christmas 2025 panto, including Gethin Jones, Owain Wyn Evans and Mike Doyle (Image: The New Theatre, Cardiff ) Cardiff's New Theatre Cardiff has announced this year's star casting for its Christmas pantomime. Sleeping Beauty, which will run from Saturday, December 6, 2025 to Sunday, January 4, 2026 will star a rather familiar face to those who enjoy a bit of daytime TV. Returning to the panto stage following his appearance in last year's production of Cinderella is BBC Morning Live's Gethin Jones. He will be starring in the show as Prince Gethin alongside two other well known Welsh broadcasters. ‌ He will be joined by his fellow Cinderella co-stars, BBC Radio 2 host Owain Wyn Evans who will play the Spirit of Pantomime and comedian Mike Doyle who will also feature in the panto cast as Nurse Nellie. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here ‌ Owain shared on Instagram: "The brief of 'Gimme even more glitter and sequins this year pls' has been FULLY realised. "So great to be back at @newtheatrecdf with Geth and Mike for Sleeping Beauty as the 'Spirit of Panto' this year. It'll be full of WANDerful surprises lol" One social media was overjoyed at the news of the returning cast, saying: "Clearly a Panto recipe that works!" Article continues below Content cannot be displayed without consent The radio presenter won Best Newcomer to Pantomime at the 2025 Pantomime Awards for his role as Dandini in last year's production of Cinderella, proving audiences have much to look forward to from this year's panto run. Much like Owain, Gethin has also recently stepped into the world of theatre. However, their co-star Mike Doyle is a seasoned veteran when it comes to the panto stage, having starred in more than 30 pantomimes and bringing four decades of entertainment experience to the stage. ‌ The presenter and comedian is a Cardiff panto favourite, and has played the dame in multiple productions including last year's Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Sleeping Beauty will be produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world's biggest pantomime producer, and the team behind last year's record-breaking Cinderella at New Theatre Cardiff. ‌ The Chief Executive of Crossroads Pantomimes, Michael Harrison said: "We're thrilled to be returning to Cardiff with such an incredible cast. Gethin, Owain, and Mike were a smash hit in Cinderella last year, and I know audiences will be just as excited to see them bring their magic to Sleeping Beauty. Such a magical fairytale, brought to life by this brilliant Welsh cast, promises a brilliant festive treat for audiences of all ages." Stephan Stockton, Theatre Director of New Theatre Cardiff, added "We're delighted to welcome back Gethin, Owain, and Mike - three Welsh favourites who audiences loved so much last year - returning home to bring more of their joy, energy and star power to the New Theatre stage. Cardiff is in for another festive treat!" Further casting for Sleeping Beauty will be announced later in the year. Article continues below Sleeping Beauty will run for four weeks from Saturday, December 6. at the New Theatre Cardiff. Follow this link for tickets and more information.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store