Sam Claflin is among new cast members for the new series of ‘Peaky Blinders’.
The ‘Me Before You’ actor joins a star-studded list of newcomers, including Irish screen star Brian Gleeson, Emmett Scanlan – who played Brendan Brady in ‘Hollyoaks’ – ‘Game of Thrones’ star Kate Dickie and Spooks: The Greater Good’s Cosmo Jarvis.
In a statement, Sam said: "I couldn’t feel more privileged to be invited to join this iconic show."
A tweet on the official ‘Peaky Blinders’ Twitter account announced: "**Big cast news** We’re delighted to announce that @SamClaflin, #BrianGleeson, #NeilMaskell, @dickie_kate, @CosmoJarvis and @EmmettScanlan will be joining #PeakyBlinders for series 5. @BBCOne’ Other new cast include Elliot Cowan (The Spanish Princess, Krypton), Charlene McKenna (Ripper Street), Andrew Koji (Warrior, The Innocence) and Daryl McCormack (A Very English Scandal). (sic)"
The latest casting follows the news that Anya Taylor-Joy has joined the gripping programme’s next instalment along with returning cast members Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle, Finn Cole, Kate Phillips and Natasha O’Keefe, as will Aidan Gillen and Jack Rowan, Kate Phillips (Linda) and Natasha O’Keeffe (Lizzie).
Cillian Murphy’s character is set to face his "darkest force" yet in the upcoming series.
The 42-year-old actor’s alter-ego Tommy Shelby will be up against it more than ever when the popular drama returns as the Shelby family try to deal with the 1930s following the financial crash of 1929.
Creator Steven Knight said: "The story of the Peaky Blinders and of the Shelby family gets woven into the political fabric of Britain and Europe as the 1920’s end and the thirties begin.
"Tommy Shelby faces the darkest force he has ever faced and his struggle is as relevant today as it was then."
The series will see Tommy approached by a charismatic politician who has a bold vision for Britain, but his response will be a huge decision for both his family and Britain.
Caryn Mandabach, executive producer, added: "Steve’s Birmingham saga becomes more fascinating and more relevant with every chapter. This one promises to be the best yet.
"I’m truly grateful to the BBC for their support of such thrilling, immersive and resonant storytelling."
The fifth season will see the show make the move from BBC Two, which has been the programme’s home since 2013, to BBC One, following huge ratings and several awards.
The most recent series of the gangster drama reached an average audience of 3.3 million, and the show scooped a BAFTA for Best Drama Series.
Sam Claflin joins Peaky Blinders
