Fans praise dramatic Peaky Blinders finale as the show comes to an end
The hit series has now wrapped up
Last updated 4th Apr 2022
The highly anticipated final series of Peaky Blinders has now come to an end, and it was definitely worth the wait! The last episode aired on Sunday 3rd April with a feature-length episode and fans have shared their thoughts about the ending ahead of the upcoming film.
After the finale aired, BBC took to twitter to say an emotional thank you to fans for watching along, saying: 'Thanks for watching #PeakyBlinders Thank you to all the incredible fans who have been a part of the journey over the last ten years. We couldn’t have done it without your support. Now we Peaky Blinders rest.' (sic)
Fans had high praise for how the episode ended and were quick to share their thoughts, one said: 'Incredible finale episode 👏👏👏👏 thank you all 🙏', another added: 'What an incredible finale', with one person saying: 'Some ending! 👏🏻 '.
However, it seems some viewers weren't ready to say goodbye to the series, with someone saying: ''You CAN'T end it like that surely 🤷♀️' and another fan adding: 'I'm not ready to say goodbye😭😭🤧'.
Warning: Spoilers ahead
Given everything Tommy has faced this season (and every season in all honesty), it was uncertain whether or not he would survive until the end. Despite his tuberculoma diagnosis almost pushing him to end his own life, a last-minute twist brought him back from the edge and has perfectly set him up for a new adventure.
One fan commented: 'Was not expecting Tommy to survive but boy am I glad', although others were debating that Tommy dying might have been a more tidy way to wrap up the series.
Most fans, however, were thrilled that Tommy managed to survive and that we would get to see more of him in the future. In the lead-up to the final episode, the BBC released several teaser clips of what was to come and many people took to the comments to share their hopes that Tommy would make it through to the end, as well as remarking that they weren't ready for the show to be over.
As well as Tommy's fate keeping fans on the edge of their seat, the final episode also saw several deaths as an attempt was made on Arthur's life resulting in the death of Captain Swing, and Tommy and Michael went head to head leading to the younger Shelby's demise.
It now seems this chapter has fully closed for Tommy as the episode ended with him leaving everything he once knew behind and riding off ready to start a new life. We'll have to wait a bit longer to see what happens to the gangster next.
What will happen next for Peaky Blinders?
It was announced by Steven Knight that instead of filming a seventh series, the story would continue with a film. Since then more details have been shared and we can now expect to see some of our favourite characters in a new story set during World War II.
Following the finale, it seems as though everyone is now even more excited to see what happens in the Peaky Blinders film, with one fan saying: 'An absolute masterpiece series from beginning to end, stunning in every respect, sad to see the series end but bring on the film'.
Steven had previously confirmed that both Tommy Shelby and his brother Arthur would be in the upcoming film, and it has also now been teased that Duke Shelby could also appear in the film. It was previously revealed by Steven that: "In series six we're bringing in the new generation, and they are going to be part of what happens in the film."
Actor Conrad Khan who plays the young Shelby on the show also spoke out about what might come next for his character, saying: "Maybe it's not going out, and killing people… because, Duke's explained that he doesn't want to do that. Tommy's having to put all these parameters in place for when he becomes eventually incapable of leading the family in the way he used to."
He also told Digital Spy about an area he'd like to explore more of, saying: "I think the relationship he has with Arthur is quite sweet, that kind of playfulness that they have. Maybe a couple of scenes with him. Maybe a relationship with him."
It was teased in January 2020 that there could also be a spin-off series which wouldn't include Tommy Shelby and would instead follow another storyline focusing on different characters. Steven Knight revealed that the story: "Will go on in another form, which will be the film, and beyond that we want to keep the world going. In other words, the story of Small Heath and the Shelby family will continue on. I want to keep it going until... whenever."
Take a look at the locations Peaky Blinders was filmed:
The Black Country Living Museum
The Black Country museum is home to many of the filming locations for Peaky Blinders, and if you take a trip around the museum for a day you'll be sure to recognise some past scenes of the show.
Pictured here is Uncle Charlie's dockyard, home to many dodgy dealings between the Shelby brothers as well as allowing safe passage for who or whatever they need to get out of the Midlands. Read up on the museum here.
Powis Street, Liverpool
Much of the filming for Peaky Blinders is done in and around Liverpool, and different companies host many tours in the city so that fans of the show can see where the magic happens. This particular street is used for the Shelby families homes in the first season, named Watery Lane on the show.
Formby Beach, Liverpool
Many heartbroken viewers will spot that Formby Beach in Liverpool was the spot where Alfie Solomons (played by Tom Hardy) admitted his betrayal to Tommy, and basically forced Tommy into shooting him dead after confessing that he had cancer. It was very emotional.
Port Sunlight, Wirral
Port Sunlight is a model village in the Wirral, Merseyside. Although the village and the homes within it were originally built for workers at the Lever Brothers Factory, it's now a tourist attraction. Eagle-eyed Peaky fans will recognise the timbered housing as Aunt Polly's home, which is 'in' Sutton Coldfield in the show.
Arley Hall, Cheshire
Once Tommy became as 'legit' as he could in season three, he and Grace moved themselves into an incredible country house. Sadly, Grace was shot dead at a party they hosted there, but Tommy continued to live there with their son Charlie as well as their staff.
Arley Hall is situated in Northwich, Cheshire, and is often used as a wedding venue. Other shows to be filmed there include Coronation Street, Antiques Roadshow and Cold Feet.
General Manager Steve Hamilton said, "It's been incredible to see the effort and attention to detail that goes into a production such as Peaky Blinders. There was a real buzz around Arley during the filming and it was great to work with the BBC on such a popular and critically acclaimed drama. The great thing now is that people will be able to visit us this summer and walk in the rooms where these amazing stars have filmed their scenes."
Manchester Town Hall
The town hall in Manchester was apparently used as a building front in a scene in one of the first two seasons where Sam Neill's character, Major Campbell, visits Winston Churchill, but Peaky Blinders' Production Designer Grant Montgomery told i News that "the interiors were done in another location." So cryptic!
Victoria Baths, Manchester
The Victoria Baths in Manchester were used for scenes in season two. After Polly's son Michael returned, having been raised in the countryside by adoptive parents, the Shelby brothers took him along to a horse fair where Tommy bought a filly and also met May Carleton. Of course, in true Peaky style, the day ends in a fight, but the filming for the fair took place at the baths.
Montgomery told i, "I remember thinking Victoria Baths could give it a really good look. One of the baths had timber over it, so we put sawdust down on top."
Bolton
The centre of Bolton was used for various scenes in the show, but Le Mans crescent in Bolton was used for shots to capture the Shelby brothers' trip to London, and specifically the exterior of the Eden Club - the jazz den owned by Sabini, who becomes a nemesis to the family.
Montgomery told i, "We were thinking how to do London in the 1920s, and Bolton has that wonderful crescent. So I said, 'Well, this is our London.' And the exterior to the Eden Club was all done in Bolton."
Brooke’s Mill, Huddersfield
Producers used Brooke's Mill in Huddersfield as the location for the gypsy campsite, using traditional caravans and carts, as well as horses.
Leeds Town Hall
Many fans of the show were convinced that the scenes in which Campbell and Grace share information about the Shelby family in the art gallery were filmed at the Town Hall in Birmingham. However, the front was actually shot at the Town Hall in Leeds.
Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon
However, the scenes on the inside of the art gallery where Campbell and Grace surreptitiously pass notes to each other were filmed at the Newby Hall & Gardens in Ripon, North Yorkshire.
Keighley and Worth Valley Steam Railway
Most of the Peaky moments that take place on a train or at a station happen on the Keighley and Worth Valley railway line. It's a 5-mile long rail line that runs through a small part of West Yorkshire, and many will recognise Keighley as the station where Grace shot Major Campbell in season one.
Undercliffe Cemetery, Bradford
The shots in season one where Polly pays her respects at the cemetery and meets Freddie Thorne laying flowers for his mum is thought to have been shot in Bradford at the Undercliffe Cemetery.
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Yorkshire
If it's a scene involving a train station, this historic Yorkshire station is likely to be the filming location, boasting gorgeous old platforms and carriages, picturesque walking paths and eye-catching backdrops.
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
If you're looking for May Carleton's mansion, featured in season two of Peaky Blinders, then Chatsworth House, in Bakewell, Derbyshire, is the place! The stunning historic building is perfect for aristocratic horse-trainer May Carleton.
Episodes shot at Chatsworth include huge stars of the show, including Cillian Murphy (as Thomas Shelby), Charlotte Riley (as May Carleton) and Annabelle Wallis (as Grace Burgess).
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