Stephen Graham’s stint in ‘Peaky Blinders’ has been "put on hold indefinitely" as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Show creator Steven Knight confirmed in July 2019 that he was looking to sign Stephen up to the BBC drama series, but the fans of the programme won’t see the ‘Snatch’ star pop up alongside Cillian Murphy (Tommy Shelby) anytime soon.
Speaking on podcast ‘Pound for Pound with Jake Wood and Spencer Oliver’, Stephen said: "I was supposed to be starting ‘Peaky Blinders’, but that has been put on hold indefinitely.
"My agent had spent a load of time putting that together."
‘Peaky Blinders’ boss Steven previously spoke about his namesake being on the show, but said he won’t be reprising his ‘Boardwalk Empire’ role as Al Capone.
He said: "Stephen Graham. Don’t worry … we’re proceeding with that, but not for this series.
"Not Al Capone – I didn’t want to go west.
"Because it’s a minefield once you go into Chicago gangsters. I refer to him last series, but I didn’t want to go into that."
The ‘Line of Duty’ star also played John Corbett in the most recent run of Jed Mercurio’s police corruption drama, but the BBC has also postponed filming for the sixth series.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Beeb confirmed: "In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, the producers – Caryn Mandabach Productions and Tiger Aspect Productions – of ‘Peaky Blinders’ S6 have postponed filming, and World Productions on ‘Line of Duty’ S6 have suspended filming, both in consultation with and supported by the BBC.
"We will continue to review all productions on a case-by-case basis and will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the Foreign Office, World Health Organization and Public Health England."
Stephen Graham on Peaky Blinders delay
