9 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Peaky Blinders 

Jul 15, 2023, 22:39 IST

Heena Sharma

Peaky Blinders draws inspiration from a real gang that operated in Birmingham, England, and was known for its distinctive style, including flat caps with razor blades sewn into the peaks. 

1. Inspired by a real gang 

Cillian Murphy smoked thousands of cigarettes during the filming of the series. However, the cigarettes used on the sets were herbal and did not contain tobacco. 

2. Cillian Murphy smoked thousands of cigarettes 

There are reports that Jason Statham was considered for the role of Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders. 

3. Jason Statham considered for role of Tommy Shelby 

Helen McCrory, the late actress who portrayed Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders, shared that she extensively watched clips of Ozzy Osbourne to learn the distinct Birmingham dialect. 

4. Polly Gray’s accent inspired by Ozzy Osbourne 

The Devil’s Horsemen, horse professionals, have gained recognition in the film industry for their expertise in training horses for stunts. 

5. Peaky Blinders used the same horse trainers as Game of Thrones 

Two of its lead characters, actor Joe Cole and Finn Cole, are cousins on TV but brothers in real life. 

6. John Shelby and Michael Gray are real-life brothers 

Actors Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley crossed paths for the first time while working together on the set of Wuthering Heights in 2009. 

7. Alfie Solomons and May Carleton are a couple in real life 

The hairstyle, known as an ‘undercut’, gained significant popularity in the early 20th century, particularly among English street gangs and criminals. 

8. Haircut inspiration 

Creator Steven Knight has hinted that a film is on the cards and will delve deeper into Duke Shelby’s character. 

9.  A Peaky Blinders movie  

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