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Peaky Blinders confirms return of fan-favourite character in new series 6 filming pics

THE popular and feisty Esme Shelby is confirmed for the upcoming sixth and final series of the epic gangster drama Peaky Blinders.

While filming the sixth series of Peaky Blinders around the country is underway, we are delighted to discover the return of Tommy Shelby’s (Cillian Murphy) no-nonsense sister in law Esme (Aimee-Ffion Edwards).

Esme Shelby's return to Peaky Blinders has been confirmed in new series six filming pictures
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Esme Shelby's return to Peaky Blinders has been confirmed in new series six filming picturesCredit: SWNS

In new photos from the Peaky Blinders set, we see a suave Tommy visiting Esme’s gypsy community.

Set in Bolton and nestled in rocky, ancient-looking surroundings,it looks like a much-anticipated confrontation between Esme and Tommy in underway, watched by onlookers. 

In the lawless streets of 1920s Birmingham, Esme Shelby was last seen in series four of Peaky Blinders where her husband, John, was murdered by the Italian mafia who were out for revenge against the Peaky Blinders.

Previously starring in Luther, Aimee-Ffion’s character Esme was last seen at the morgue visiting John’s body. 

Cillian Murphy was seen filming in Lancashire as Tommy Shelby
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Cillian Murphy was seen filming in Lancashire as Tommy ShelbyCredit: SWNS
Esme left the family to live on a gypsy community
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Esme left the family to live on a gypsy communityCredit: BBC

She also cursed her brothers, took off her rings and took the children on the road "to live with decent people". 

Since then, Peaky Blinders has been very successful in breaking records with its whopping viewing figures. 

Fans have been awaiting Esme’s reappearance after the actress teased that she would return if "I think the storyline was good”, according to  

One fan tweeted at the time: “I swear If Esme doesn’t make a swift badass return all guns blazing for revenge, makeover and kids are grown not to be messed with #peakyblinders”.

Tommy headed towards Esme's home
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Tommy headed towards Esme's homeCredit: SWNS
Esme was married to John and left in series four
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Esme was married to John and left in series fourCredit: BBC

With filming ongoing until July, it means we will see the new series at the end of 2021 or perhaps early 2022.

But it sounds like it will be worth the wait as Emmett J Scanlan, who plays Billy Grade,  that season six is "so f***ing strong".

He added: "I've read all the scripts since then, which of course are all subject to change... It won't disappoint, I promise you. Steven is a master.

Cameos like Samuel L Jackson could grace our screens as he expressed a desire to take part in the series. 

He told : "I want to do some British TV. I'd love to be in Peaky Blinders. That's a great show."

Even though it may be the last series, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight hinted a movie version of the show could happen within the Peaky Blinders universe. 

Until then, we look forward to an eventful series six - no doubt the gangsters will be going out with a bang.

Peaky Blinders seasons one to five are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.

Season 5 trailer for hit British drama series 'Peaky Blinders'
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