Latest news with #Kray
Scottish Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I starred in Only Fools & Horses and Lock, Stock… now I run Kray twins crime tour & sell cannabis from the Caribbean
MEAN MACHINE I starred in Only Fools & Horses and Lock, Stock… now I run Kray twins crime tour & sell cannabis from the Caribbean 'SO HAS the interview started yet?' Vas Blackwood asks, as wind chimes rattle softly in the background. He's speaking over the phone from the Caribbean where he's polishing a film script which he plans to star in. Advertisement 32 Actor Vas Blackwood splits his time between London and the Caribbean Credit: Vas Blackwood 32 Vas running a Kray twins tour in East London Credit: BRIT MOVIE TOURS 32 During his breakout performance in Only Fools and Horses as Lennox Gilbey Credit: IMBD 'I'm pleased with it, the funds have gone into bond, so we'll see what happens,' he explains. The 62-year-old is not necessarily an actor that everyone knows by name - but many of his characters have achieved cult status. His one-off turn as Lennox 'The Shadow' Gilbey in a 1986 episode of beloved BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, for one. Another is gangster Rory Breaker in Guy Ritchie's 1998 film debut Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Advertisement The director told him during casting that he'd been a fan ever since he saw him as Winston in The Lenny Henry Show in the late 80s. 'Lennox!' When he's back in the UK, where he has a North London base, he says he gets stopped all the time by people shouting 'Lennox!'. I tell him he's a British TV and film icon and he laughs, saying: 'I feel blessed every day.' A jobbing actor all his life, dad-of-three Vas never stops working. Whenever he's not shooting, he can be found running a Kray twins tour in East London's underbelly. Advertisement 'I start at the Blind Beggar and roll from there,' he explains. 'I bring in the whole gangster thing, but it's centred on Ronnie and Reggie. 'There's a couple of locations from Lock, Stock and I talk about modern gangsters - by the time we're done, you are a gangster,' he adds, laughing. Gary Lineker tops BBC best-paid list with Naga Munchetty among biggest earners amid 'bullying' row as salaries revealed "It's all fun with Uncle Vas." But there's another reason for him being in the Caribbean: he's putting the finishing touches to his latest venture - a medicinal cannabis brand named after his Lock, Stock character. Advertisement 'The Caribbean's going to be like Rory's sauce - Rory's sauce is coming from the Caribbean,' he says. 'I'm ironing out things whilst I'm here. It comes straight from the film - they take my cannabis and try to sell it back to me. It's a declaration of war! 'I'm working on slogans for it, I've got one: 'I'll chill ya',' he says. Rory's sauce It's currently illegal to sell products in the UK containing THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, but Vas is planning ahead. Advertisement In several Caribbean nations, for example, the drug has been legalised for medical purposes. 'We'll start with CBD oils, things like that, without THC,' he says, referring to his plans for the UK market. 32 Vas is possibly best known as Rory Breaker in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels Credit: IMBD 32 Vas with his Lock, Stock cast mates, including Jason Statham Credit: Handout Advertisement 32 Vas and Jones remain close friends Credit: Roger Donovan 'In the Caribbean it's legal, in the sense you can apply and get a licence to use medicinal marijuana and then go to your chemist. 'This is what's going to be happening in the UK in the not too distant future. This is for life.' He goes on to say: 'It's so structured with the THC, it's very controlled. You don't have to hang around with someone on a street corner to score a bit of weed, you can go to the chemist.' Advertisement Vas adds: 'Rory Breaker is going with the guidelines - but don't worry about that, as soon as we're allowed, the Rory Breaker strain of cannabis will be the most popular.' I looked at them and all the lines in my head went - I was a fanboy about to watch an episode. Vas Blackwood He explains how he was a 'ganja baby' in his teens, growing up around Highgate, but he took his acting career 'very seriously'. 'I vision boarded it, and you become what you are. I became what I am.' His big break, so to speak, came about with his Only Fools guest part when he was just 24. Advertisement He'd been to drama school and done fringe theatre, as well as a few TV spots - and he was a huge fan of the show. 'I looked at them and all the lines in my head went - I was a fanboy about to watch an episode,' he said, recalling first seeing stars David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst in costume on the set. Unusual for the BBC show, The Longest Night episode from season 5 saw a guest star take centre stage. 32 Vas is about to launch a medicinal cannabis brand Credit: VAS BLACKWOOD Advertisement 32 He is regularly stopped in the street by people shouting 'Lennox!' Credit: IMBD 32 Vas' tour starts at the Blind Beggar pub Credit: BRIT MOVIE TOURS Filmed in front of a live audience, it was set almost entirely on one room, with Vas - whose character took the leads hostage in a supermarket back office - in almost every shot. They'd done rehearsals for five days in a hall in Chiswick before doing the technical rehearsal at Television Centre, and then the next day the proper shoot. Advertisement Recalling his sudden hit of anxiety, Vas says: 'I had to kick myself from within my soul, my centre, my core, all the way up. 'You're Lennox, you're Lennox'. 'David, when he saw me, did the shoulder roll. He said 'alright there, Lennox', and I just went, I was laughing to myself. 'The concentration level had to be very high. You'd start laughing if you dropped out of character.' As an actor you have to hold your own. They might be difficult but that's nothing to do with you. You're not here to be their friend. Vas Blackwood As for his co-stars, Vas was full of praise, saying there was 'no ego', adding: 'They made me feel a million dollars. Advertisement 'They could've treated me a lot different. The industry can be like that sometimes. 'As an actor you have to hold your own. They might be difficult but that's nothing to do with you. You're not here to be their friend.' During earlier rehearsals he remembers during a break Jason turning to Lyndhurst and asking 'how's the flying going?'. Vas says: 'I was thinking flying, okay, what's that about? Well, Nicholas Lyndhurst actually flies an aeroplane, and he was learning to fly at that point. Advertisement 32 Twin brothers and organised crime bosses Ronnie and Reggie Kray in 1964 Credit: Getty 32 Vas is still close friends with director Guy Ritchie Credit: Andrew Sims - The Times 32 Only Fools and Horses stars David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst and Buster Merryfield Credit: BBC 'It hit me, they're so not like Del and Rodney, these two.' Advertisement Vas still has copies of rehearsal scripts they used. 'It was a big moment for me as a young actor, I was very fortunate, but you've got to give yourself a pat on the back,' he says. 'It was like a theatre performance and we had an audience. Theatre is my thing, most actors worth their salt love a bit of theatre. You hold the moment, it was great.' Being called to Television Centre Despite being a huge fan of Only Fools, he admits it was touch and go whether he would even take the part after it was offered. He was on the verge of being cast as a regular in a new Channel 4 show when he was called into White City by show producer Ray Butt. Advertisement Many stars of the day had been impressed by Vas' performances in fringe theatre productions, and he'd already appeared with Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders in ITV sitcom Girls on Top the year before. He believes he had also already been around the BBC at the time, though can't remember exactly how he came to the attention of Butt. 'It was all very peculiar how I got offered the job,' he recalls. The producer - looking every bit like Del Boy himself, wearing a flat cap and smoking a cigar - welcomed him into Television Centre and took him to a little office on the fifth floor. Advertisement Handing him the script, he said he'd be back in 45 minutes. 32 Vas also appeared in Mean Machine with Jones in 2001 Credit: UIP 32 Vas was called into BBC Television Centre by Only Fools producer Ray Butt to read the script Credit: Alamy 32 Vas was full of praise for Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst Credit: Doug Seeburg - The Sun Advertisement Vas says: 'From the first page I was laughing, especially when he pulls the gun and says 'open the safe!'' When Butt returned, he excitedly asked what he thought, to which Vas replied: 'It's brilliant, Ray.' When he revealed he had another offer, Butt confidently told him: 'Don't worry about that, you'll do this - it's much better.' Vas says his thinking was: 'Getting a TV series would be worth more to me than working one-off for the BBC.' Butt wasn't deterred and as he led him out, Vas said he was thinking 'who is this man?' Advertisement He dashed to a phone box and called his agent, who told him the Channel 4 producers were 'still making their mind up' - they wanted him but they were still deciding on the rest of the cast. 'A week or two later Ray was pressuring my agent,' Vas continues. 'In the end, I just decided to do Only Fools and Horses. It's little things like that - and I tell you what, I dunno whatever happened to that Channel 4 show, but this was the best thing that ever happened to me and I thank my lucky stars every day. Vas Blackwood 'It's little things like that - and I tell you what, I dunno whatever happened to that Channel 4 show, but this was the best thing that ever happened to me and I thank my lucky stars every day.' The show, despite coming to a finish after more than two decades in 2003, continues to top all-time favourite British TV charts, and is repeated almost daily on the likes of UK Gold. Advertisement 'I go places everyday and people say 'ah Lennon, Lennox! Say the line!' Do you know how many times I've said it?' Without any prompt, Vas says: 'They seek him here, they seek him there, those policemen seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven or is he in hell, that damn elusive sha-a-dow.' 32 Vas worked with Lenny Henry in the 1980s after he spotted him in fringe theatre Credit: Rex 32 Vas worked with Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders early in his career Credit: Rex Advertisement 32 Vas was not surprised that Jason Statham became a huge star in Hollywood Credit: Getty He adds: 'I get people in stitches every time - I look at it as a bit of a blessing, the stars looking down on me and saying you're still in this to win it, or whatever the case maybe.' The Only Fools performance was followed by the regular role of Winston in The Lenny Henry Show, as well as an episode of French & Saunders, and then three seasons of teen comedy Spatz. Through the 90s Vas also appeared in the likes of The Bill and Casualty before landing possibly his biggest role as gangster Rory Breaker. Advertisement The black comedy crime caper, made for less than a £1million, was met with critical acclaim and major commercial success. 'To have worked with Guy on his first film, it set me in stone there and then. It's an iconic role, it's all there,' says Vas. To have worked with Guy on his first film, it set me in stone there and then. It's an iconic role, it's all there. Vas Blackwood 'Watching that film just reminds me of London,' he continues, laughing. 'If you know the streets how I know them, there's all these characters, they might be shady but they have a sense of humour. 'It's all a mix-up and that's London to me.' Advertisement Vas based Breaker on two people he knew growing up, one was Gilbert Wynter, a jeweller and enforcer for the Adams crime family who disappeared without a trace the same year Lock, Stock was released. 'I went to school with Gilbert, he was a soft touch, really, but a character,' says Vas. The other inspiration was Trevor Smith, a bank robber who rubbed shoulders with 'loveable rogues' in high end Chelsea. 32 Ronnie and Reggie Kray, seen here at home after helping police with their inquiries into a shooting in 1966 Credit: Getty Advertisement 32 The Blind Beggar pub on Whitechapel Road in Mile End, East London, where the Krays used to regularly drink Credit: Getty 32 Vas hopes to work again with Ritchie - seen here shooting The Gentlemen season 2 Credit: Click News and Media The casting had been a bit of a mishmash. The film had been due to be shot the year before but then the investment fell through. Vas says: 'I wasn't attached at first. When the money came through again a lot of the actors cast had moved on to different jobs so there was availability. Advertisement 'I can't say they got second best because it's such a successful film,' he says, laughing. 'It's all about timing. It wasn't the right thing with the first cast.' Lock, Stock casting process He remembers Ritchie telling him how much he loved his performance as Winston in the Lenny Henry Show, and how he'd watch it when he got home from college. 'He had me in mind from that role,' explains Vas. At one stage during the audition, Ritchie asked him to run his lines and began filming him from different angles. Advertisement 'He knew he wanted me to do it, but he was more interested in the camera than what I was saying,' says Vas. 'He was fitting faces in his mind.' He recalled as they headed into another office, Ritchie began asking him about taxes. 'It was due to him being a young director and not understanding everything, so I gave him advice and he was happy and we were on,' Vas says. Advertisement 32 Vas in 2004 film Creep Credit: check copyright 32 Vas and Jones at the premier of Mean Machine, at the Odeon in Glasgow, with then Celtic players Steve Guppy and John Hartson Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 32 Vas promoting the Change For Kids campaign Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 'I just knew he was special, there was something about him.' Advertisement He says the energy on set was electric, but everyone 'would come in ready to give 110%' each day. 'We all got our heads down and delivered for Guy.' Vas goes on to say: 'The shooting schedule was broken up unusually - it was how Guy wanted to work.' He remembers Ritchie sitting by a monitor rather than behind the camera on set for his scenes. 'He never once came and talked to me about my performance. I'd say 'Guy, how was that?' and he'd reply 'that's great, no problem'. Advertisement 'It was all in the edit for him and I was doing exactly what was on the paper.' However, there was always room for ideas. Having grown up around Cypriots in Kentish Town, Vas had suggested he speak some Greek in the film - which Ritchie allowed, and even came up with the idea for Breaker's iconic wig. 'I met my character's minders and they had bald heads and I was bald, so I said 'maybe it would have more impact if I was wearing a wig',' says Vas. 'Guy said 'leave it with me'. I turned up on set to get my make up and costume sorted and they had a wig,' he says. Advertisement Vas was due to appear in Ritchie's follow-up movie Snatch two years later but other commitments meant he was forced to drop out. 32 It was Vas' idea for Rory Breaker to wear a wig Credit: Polygram 32 Vas with Gary Lineker in comedy show Spatz in 1991 Credit: Thames Television 32 Vas based Breaker on two underworld figures he knew growing up Credit: Polygram Advertisement While further Ritchie projects, which he didn't reveal, 'didn't fit quite right'. But the pair remain close. 'Guy's like a brother to me, we talk as often as possible,' says Vas. 'I'm sure we'll do something else - it's all about the style of the role. 'If it fits, it fits. They don't need to audition me, if they know there's something I could master. We don't beg for anything, it's how our relationship is. We're always batting and balling with things like that.' Advertisement Working with Jason Statham In 2001, Vas would go on to appear in Mean Machine, reuniting with Lock, Stock castmates Vinnie Jones and Jason Statham, the latter of which was already making waves in the US. 'Jason was working his way up,' he says. 'He came over from America to do the role - he was very close with Vinnie. He was on that trajectory. 'Jason Statham has an appetite for learning. That's why he is where he is now, he takes everything on as mute, he doesn't take things for granted.' Vas says it was actually Jones who ensured Lock, Stock even got made. Advertisement 'Not a lot of people know this but Vinnie was the seed investor for Lock, Stock,' he explains. 'He put 100 grand up. When he left football he was very serious about the acting and he was looking for stuff.' 32 The actor has continued to act regularly since the 1980s Credit: Rex Features 32 Vas appeared with James Buckley in The Comedian's Guide to Survival Credit: Rex Advertisement 32 Vas provided voices for the video game Fable II Credit: Handout Ritchie and producer Matthew Vaughn were 'running around' with the script trying to find funding and it came by Jones, and he loved it, says Vas. 'He put the first 100k down, then more investors followed. The rest is history.' Vas had first met Jones through footballer pal Jon Fashnu, with Fashnu and Jones being part of Crystal Palace's infamous 'Crazy Gang'. Advertisement 'With Vinnie Jones, you can be walking in a forest with him, or down a street - he'll say 'what tree's that?'' says Vas. 'If it's got apples you'll say 'an apple tree'. But he'll know exactly what tree it is and what birds live in it. 'He likes the outdoors and bit of the hunting. And with trees, if it's an apple tree he'll tell you what type of apple it is. 'A lot of people are talking about saving the planet, but they can't do that.' Advertisement Vas would go on to star in the likes of horror film Creep (2004) and provide voice work for video game Fable II (2008) and TV series Thunderbirds Are Go, among other live action roles, including two White Collar Hooligan films and Inbetweener James Buckley-starring The Comedian's Guide to Survival (2016). He got involved in Brit Movie Tours in around 2018. His Lock, Stock co-star Stephen Marcus, who played Nick the Greek, had initially run it before relocating to LA. After a little hesitancy, Vas agreed to take it on for select dates when he's back in London. 32 Vas took over the Kray twins tour in 2018 Credit: BRIT MOVIE TOURS Advertisement 32 The tour takes in various spots in the East End Credit: Vas Blackwood 'I get 50 plus people,' he says. 'I get loads of people, they love it. I do it like a theatre performance, you get value for your money.' Many customers want him to recite lines from his famous performances and he's happy to oblige. 'They say, 'can you say that line?' I say 'why not?' and pretend like they're the first-ever person to ask. If the lines were terrible they wouldn't say anything, so I don't mind.' Advertisement He adds: 'You get dads and mums coming with their kids who are die hard Only Fools and Horses fans, and I'm thinking 'that's another market there'.' He's always fascinated by how much interest there is in infamous bad guys like the Krays. His daughter went on a Pablo Escobar tour in Columbia which is run by the drug king pin's son and which ends at his grave. 'You can have a line of coke on his grave,' he says. 'Not that she did.' Advertisement Describing his own interest in the Krays, he explains: 'Whatever they got involved in, there's a lot of folklore, with a lot of bad there comes a lot of good. 'We shouldn't judge too hard. If you commit a crime and go to prison, who am I to judge you? 'You've been locked up for a period of your life and that's your punishment.' Referring to the Krays, he says: 'I've fallen in love with the in-between bits. Advertisement 'We're all just getting on with our lives in our own way.' Do you have a story? Email
Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Boyband icon looks worlds away from 90s heyday as he's baptised by Krays' henchman
Plus, what he said about a possible reunion recently SPIRITUAL SINGER Boyband icon looks worlds away from 90s heyday as he's baptised by Krays' henchman Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BOYBAND icon looks worlds away from his 90s heyday. Getting baptised by the Kray twins' henchman, an East 17 star looked very different. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 A boyband star looks worlds away from his time in the spotlight 30 years ago Credit: w8media/andy barnes 7 He was baptised by a Kray twins' henchman Credit: w8media/andy barnes 7 Former Kray henchman Chris Lambrianou is now a man of God Credit: w8media/andy barnes 7 Chris baptised new members of the church in East London over the weekend Credit: w8media/andy barnes East 17 star Terry Coldwell had his head dunked under water by former henchman to the Kray twins Chris Lambrianou. Terry, 50, became one of seven born-again Christians in new snaps. As a public declaration of faith, Terry was dunked under the water in a baptism pool at the River Church in London's East End. 85-year-old Chris Lambrianou, who was once a member of gang 'The Firm' led by Ronnie and Reggie Kray, performed the baptisms with the church's pastor Dave Gill. Speaking about the experience, Terry said: "I've just been baptised and I feel absolutely amazing. "The service has been phenomenal today," he said to MailOnline. He affirmed how "great" he felt and added how it "was a long time coming". He added: "I'm really glad I did it." Chris, who carried out the baptism, spoke about the "spiritual high" he gets from performing them. "Baptising so many people gives me a spiritual high," he told the outlet. Nepo baby boyband made up of four brothers go viral on Instagram - but can you guess who their famous dad is He added: "It's like you cannot buy the feeling I have. That can only come from Jesus Christ. "Trust in him and he will never fail you." East 17's Terry shot alongside Tony Mortimer, Brian Harvey and John Hendy in the 90s. The band are perhaps best known for their 1994 Christmas number one Stay Another Day. We don't talk. But I don't hold any grudges. East 17's Terry Coldwell With many lineup changes over the years, Terry has remained as one of the only members to have stuck with the band. Last year, Terry revealed he didn't think a reunion of the original line up would ever be on the horizon. "I've tried to get us together over the years but it all fell through. I've kind of had enough really," he told MailOnline last November. He then said in a recent documentary: "We don't talk. But I don't hold any grudges. "There were good times and there were bad times but that's like in any job. "We lived together basically, we worked for three years without a day off so of course we argued about things. "But I'm grateful for the times I shared with them." 7 Terry Coldwell, Brian Harvey, John Hendy and Tony Mortimer of East 17 pictured in 1995 Credit: Getty 7 Terry jas joined East London's River Church Credit: w8media/andy barnes
Edinburgh Live
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Tom Hardy's 'best work' is on Netflix but fans only have days to watch
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Tom Hardy enthusiasts have just days left to stream the gripping 2015 biographical drama 'Legend' on Netflix before it departs at the end of May. The film delves into the notorious lives of the Kray twins, infamous 1960s London gangsters, with Hardy delivering a stellar performance in the dual roles of Ronald and Reginald Kray. The criminal brothers, Ronnie and Reggie, were deeply entrenched in the East End's underworld, engaging in everything from armed robberies to 'protection rackets', and even murder. They led a feared gang and owned the Knightsbridge nightclub Esmeralda's Barn, which became a famed celebrity haunt and is prominently featured in the movie. Critics and audiences alike have lauded Hardy's portrayal of the twins, with some hailing it as his finest acting display. A Rotten Tomatoes reviewer was impressed: "Unreal movie. Tom Hardy gives two of the best performances of his career at once here. "Christopher Eccleston is amazing here; he's been one of my favourite English actors since I saw him in Doctor Who. It's really fun to see the Krays fight each other knowing that Tom Hardy is playing both of them – just a masterclass in visual effects." The double dose of Hardy has certainly won over fans, with one review saying: "I already love Tom Hardy to death; putting two of him in one movie is outright cheating!", reports the Daily Record. (Image: Galloway News) "Legend offers a gripping portrayal of the infamous Kray twins, brought to life through Tom Hardy's remarkable dual performance. His ability to distinctly embody both Ronnie and Reggie Kray is nothing short of impressive, showcasing his exceptional range as an actor." In Legend Tom Hardy steals the show with an incredible double-act, playing both Ronnie and Reggie Kray to critical acclaim. One viewer was captivated by the film, stating: "Brilliantly captures 60s London and the Krays' story." Meanwhile, another praised the authentic feel of the movie, noting it captured the "gritty and volatile essence" of the period. However, opinions on the movie are divided, with "Legend" holding a 60% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. A critique points out that the biopic isn't quite the knockout some expected, with one review arguing: "Based on the true story of the gangsters the Kray brothers, the film should have been a perfect showcase for hunky Tom Hardy's creative range and talent. Instead, it's a half-realised piece of Hollywood entertainment that never goes deep enough to be anything spectacular." Tom Hardy fans needing a fix can catch him in "Legend" on Netflix until May 30.
News.com.au
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Massive news for Peaky Blinders fans as series set to return in new era
A new series of crime drama Peaky Blinders is due to start filming this summer — set in the 1950s. BBC bosses want the episodes ready to air in 2026 to capitalise on a renewed wave of interest expected after the release of a Peaky Blinders feature film later this year. Series six saw the characters in the 1930s, while the upcoming film — titled The Immortal Man — is set during the Second World War. The new series is likely to move the Birmingham gangsters 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 yesterday 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.' 'But 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.' Cast and crew are expected to start filming in September. The new series will air on BBC One in the UK but be distributed internationally by streaming giant Netflix — also behind the film. Peaky Blinders ran from 2013 to 2022, with the action starting in 1919 and taking in the 1920s and 1930s. Cillian Murphy, who appears in the new film, could return as crime boss Thomas Shelby but as a 'father figure' to younger gang members. It would be a similar role to that of his aunt Polly Gray, played by the late Helen McCrory. After the end of the TV series, writer Stephen dropped multiple hints of a return. Discussing the upcoming film recently, he said: 'The world of 'Peaky' will continue.' The BBC has declined to comment.
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BBC's Peaky Blinders set to 'RETURN for a seventh series with two huge changes as filming starts this summer'
is set to return for another crime-packed series with filming is set to start this summer, according to a new report. The new series will begin in the 1950s and BBC bosses are pinning hopes on an air date next year to build on the renewed interest expected after the release of the Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, according to the Sun. Series six ended in the 1930s, and the film is set during the Second World War, so an upcoming series would jump forward several years. The new episodes are expected to pick up in the fifties, a time of violent Teddy Boy gangs and the rise of the infamous Kray twins in London. A TV insider told the publication: 'The sixth series was meant to be the last and the film was supposed to end the story. But show boss Steven Knight couldn't resist coming back. He has been hinting for a while that he wanted to do more. Now the BBC has officially green-lit the project, and pre-production is under way, which will thrill fans.' Filming is expected to begin in September and will air on BBC One in the UK and then be distributed internationally by Netflix, which is also backing the film. Peaky Blinders originally ran from 2013 to 2022, following the Shelby family from 1919 through the 1920s and 1930s. Cillian Murphy, who stars in the new film, could return to the series as Thomas Shelby, but in a 'father figure' role to a younger generation of gangsters – similar to the role played by the late Helen McCrory as Polly Gray. After the TV series ended, Steven Knight dropped multiple hints that the story would continue. Speaking about the film, he recently said: 'The world of Peaky will continue.' MailOnline contacted the BBC for a comment, who have declined to comment. Teddy Boys were young men who dressed in Edwardian-style clothing and became known for violent clashes in the 1950s. They often carried flick knives and knuckle dusters, and were seen as a major problem by police at the time. The Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, rose to power in London in the late 1950s and 1960s. They ran organised crime operations, including protection rackets, and became notorious figures in British criminal history. Their connections with celebrities and their brutal methods made them infamous across the country.
