Peaky Blinders creator reveals regrets over killing off ‘brilliant actor’ in Tommy Shelby IRA twist
PEAKY Blinders' creator has revealed his regrets over killing off a ‘brilliant actor’ during an IRA storyline.
The BBC One drama has seen a number of shock deaths during its five seasons including Tommy Shelby's wife, Grace, in season three and his brother John at the start of season four.
But during an Ask Me Anything Q&A session on Reddit, show boss Steven Knight admitted they weren't the deaths he regretted most.
He said: "There was an IRA officer in series one. I regret his death because he was such a brilliant actor.”
The actor in question is Tom Vaughn-Lawlor, with the Irishman playing a character called Byrne in the fifth episode of season one.
Earlier this month, Steven teased fans about series six and said it will be the "best ever".
He said: "I've just finished writing series six and it's the best yet, but we always say that."
The last series ended with Tommy - played by Cillian Murphy - questioning his own existence as he held a gun to his head in a foggy field after his plan to foil Oswald Mosley failed.
Tommy saw his dead wife Grace (Annabelle Wallis) stood in front of him, and she encouraged him to take his own life to be with her again.
But after Steven was awarded a CBE in the New Year honours list for his services to drama, entertainment and the community of Birmingham, he hinted Peaky fans will see Tommy again.
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In a statement to the BBC following his honour, Steven said he would be celebrating "Tommy Shelby style."
He added the fictional gangster "occasionally has a bottle of champagne, so that's what I'll do."
Steven previously revealed how he would like the show to continue on to a seventh season and explore World War II.