
Inside troubled Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson's chaotic life… from crack cocaine scandal to partying with Tyson Fury
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
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.
Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter
Sign up
15
He shot to fame as Arthur in Peaky Blinders alongside Cillian Muprhy
Credit: BBC
15
Fans have been left shocked at the change in Anderson's appearance since the show
Credit: Splash
15
He's recently been convicted of riding his BMW motorbike without a licence
Credit: Instagram
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'.
Peaky Blinders' Tommy and Arthur Shelby mourn their dead brother, John
'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
He's hinted that he will be involved in a new Peaky Blinders series
Credit: BBC
15
Pals have become increasingly concerned about Anderson's health
Credit: Splash
15
People close to him claim his behaviour has become erratic recently
Credit: BBC
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
Anderson has spoken publicly about the importance of getting help with struggles
Credit: Instagram
15
He recently revealed he had developed a close friendship with Tyson Fury
Credit: Instagram
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
Friends claim he often seems dazed and not really with it
Credit: Splash
15
During his time on Peaky Blinders he has worked with stars including Tom Hardy
Credit: Instagram
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
Much like his TV character, Anderson has found himself on the wrong side of the law
Credit: Alamy
15
Fans were recently shocked with his dramatic change of apperance
Credit: Instagram/ @boyceyboycey
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
Anderson's love life has fallen apart as he's split with his girlfriend
Credit: Instagram
15
Anderson also has a two-year-old son and says being a dad is the greatest role
Credit: Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd.
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.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
37 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Who is Love Island 2025 contestant Tommy Bradley?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TOMMY Bradley undertook a huge body transformation over the course of a year to prepare himself for the famous villa. While love comes in all shapes and sizes, Tommy bulked up to catch the girls' eyes — here's everything we know about him. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Tommy Bradley is a new Love Island star Credit: Shutterstock 3 Tommy's been hitting the gym and pumping iron ahead of his Love Island stint 3 So now he's in perfect shape to find love Who is Tommy Bradley? Tommy Bradley is a landscape gardener from Hertfordshire. He is 22 years old, making him one of this year's youngest Islanders. On June 1, The Sun exclusively revealed that the 'cheeky chappy' would be a contestant on Love Island 2025. Tommy documented his prep for the ITV2 dating show on Instagram, posting streams of his gym sessions. He was helped by his brother Jamie Bradley — a boxer who used to train with two-time world heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua. In his pre-villa interview, Tommy said: "My brother Jamie is a professional boxer. He used to train with Anthony Joshua." He also revealed that his secret skill is playing the guitar, as well as knowing all the lyrics to every Oasis track. Tommy admits to being a bit fussy. On his biggest ick, he said: "When a girl is always out partying. I don't go out too much. "It's all about saving money and work. I go out during the summer but wouldn't want to date someone who parties every weekend." When asked how far he plans to go when it comes to 'doing bits' in the villa, Tommy revealed a rather awkward chat he had with his mum before flying out to Mallorca. Brutal twist rocks villa as bombshell enters during first episode He told The Sun and other press: 'I don't really know if I'll have sex in the villa. 'My mum has actually brought it up to me. She was like, 'Oh my God, have you thought about it — like, if you do have sex with someone in the villa I'm going to be watching.' 'She said, 'I don't know if I can watch.' So I don't really know. I go out during the summer but wouldn't want to date someone who parties every weekend Tommy Bradley 'It's just one of them things, isn't it? I don't know what connection I'm going to find in there. 'But hopefully I find someone and then who knows what could happen.' A source told the Sun: 'Tommy seems to tick all the Love Island boxes as the cheeky chappy of this summer's series. 'He looks to enjoy a night out with the lads and out on the boxing scene with his brother. 'But he's also packed on serious muscle over the last year ready for telly's famous villa and is no longer just a personality hire." Love Island continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.


Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Scots teacher struck off after making ‘£60k a month' on OnlyFans blasts ‘heavy handed' ruling
She was previously warned by her headteacher about her 'poor judgement' on social media 'UPSET' MISS Scots teacher struck off after making '£60k a month' on OnlyFans blasts 'heavy handed' ruling Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTS teacher who has been struck off after pupils discovered her OnlyFans account has slammed the "heavy handed" ruling. Kirsty Buchan, 34, quit her job at Bannerman High School in Glasgow after her saucy side hustle was uncovered. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Kirsty Buchan was left disgusted at the decision taken by the GCTS to strike her off Credit: Kirsty Buchan 3 The former teacher previously claimed to have made £60,000 in just one month through OnlyFans Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing The former physics teacher, of Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, was found to be uploading X-rated pictures of herself. And the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GCTS) took action by striking her off the teaching register. The regulation body found that Buchan had failed to conceal her identity and profession, and also concluded that her behaviour lacked integrity. Buchan revealed that she was left disgusted at the decision taken by the GCTS to ban her from teaching, the Daily Record reports. She said: "One thing I hate is injustice but this is what I've had to face since this fiasco kicked off. "They say that because I have posed for some photos online I should never be allowed to teach again. "It's heavy handed and I'm actually upset even though I knew it would go this way. "People can think that I should have gone in and argued my case but I didn't want to give them the satisfaction of that because I think the decision was already made. "I think it's a bad day for people's freedom of expression because I was dealing with an adult site and didn't have any expectation of pupils even seeing the photos. "And my greatest sadness is that I enjoyed being a teacher and I was good at it." Female teacher, 27, had 'sex with student in classroom' hours before arrest as '8-month relationship' exposed Buchan called herself Jessica Jackrabbit on OnlyFans, a site where users pay a monthly subscription to access explicit content. She described herself as a "good teacher gone bad" with a "sexy tight body". Buchan advertised her OnlyFans account through Instagram, which pupils spotted, and previously claimed to have made £60,000 in just one month through the adult site. She was previously warned by her headteacher about her "poor judgement" on social media. Gary Burton, solicitor and presenting officer for the GTCS, said the mum-of-one had "used her profession as a selling tool". He added that Buchan appeared to have backed up her OnlyFans work in media interviews and that Bannerman High was "now synonymous with having an OnlyFans teacher". Bannerman High headteacher, Seonaidh Black, said Buchan was a "bubbly and enthusiastic" person who "wanted to do a good job". But she added that on a "couple of occasions", Buchan was unclear on boundaries with pupils concerning her social media profiles being "open where pupils could access them". Ms Black said that a colleague told her images of Buchan's OnlyFans profile were seen by S5 and S6 pupils. Senior schoolboys asked Ms Black if she had "heard the news?" and that she should "look out for Jessica Jackrabbit". Ms Black added that it was "obvious everyone knew what was going on". Following a probe, Glasgow City Council said: "The council has a code of conduct that all employees should adhere to and a teacher who has actively pursued a second income on this type of website brings their school, the council and their profession into disrepute."


Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Olivia Attwood feud erupts as Maura takes drastic action with her and Pete Wicks
Maura Higgins has reportedly ditched Pete Wicks from her social media months after their split. And it appears that his close pal Olivia Attwood has also had the chop by the Irish beauty. The former Love Island star, 34, and TOWIE man, 37, called time on their brief romance in February after appearing to be growing closer. Shortly after, Maura made a comment about Pete "cheating". Her remarks had Olivia quick to defend her mate insisting that was not the case. She took to Instagram previously to say cheating is "not funny" and said Pete "didn't cheat". Now, following the incident, it appears that Maura has had enough of the pair and is moving on without them. According to the Sun, the duo have followed Maura's move and have also clicked the unfollow button on the reality TV star's account. Pete and Maura allegedly had a number of rocky rows prior to their split. They had initially started dating last year, but never officially went public with their link-up - nor did they deny it. They were, however, spotted looking cosy on a number of occasions. The pair are said to have known each other for six years before they took their connection to the next level. but only started dating in 2024. Rumours the ex The Only Way Is Essex hunk and former Love Island star were dating began to swirl last year as the Mirror revealed they shared a smooch at the Pride of Britain Awards in October. Maura later posted a steamy TikTok video of the pair practicing a dance move. In the clip, Pete was seen holding on to Maura's leg as she lay on the floor. She then pulled herself up into a standing position, before the duo shared a hug and Maura raised her arm towards the camera. At the time, the post sent fans into overdrive and questioning their relationship. During her stint in the I'm A Celebrity jungle, Maura kept her cards close to her chest, but gave little hints of their pairing. Away from her love life, Maura won't be returning to the American version of Love Island. She had previously hosted the stateside version of Aftersun. However, a new presenter has now been revealed. Maura, who was also the social media host of the show, reportedly won't return due conflicting schedule issues. Instead, she will be replaced by Sophie Monk. The star is already familiar with how Love Island works due to being the host of the Australian version. Maura's exit isn't thought to be an "axing" but is rather her stepping back. She is said to be focusing on other projects instead, with some fans believing she could come back to host Aftersun for the second season of Love Island Games, which is set to film in Fiji later this year.