LONDON: Jamie Bell has been spotted filming on the Birmingham set of Peaky Blinders, marking his first on-set appearance since it was announced he will portray Duke Shelby, the son of Tommy Shelby, in the next instalment of the hit series.
The upcoming storyline is set roughly a decade after Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, shifting the narrative into the 1950s—a period defined by post-war reconstruction, social change, and evolving criminal networks.
The new timeline promises a darker and more complex landscape as a new generation takes control of the Shelby empire.
Bell, now 40, appeared fully immersed in his role, dressed in classic 1950s gangster attire, including a tailored three-piece suit, a long navy overcoat, and a fedora.
He was seen arriving in a vintage Jaguar at a set labelled “Shelby Construction,” hinting at the family’s continued expansion into legitimate business fronts.
The set itself featured actors in detailed period costumes, including uniformed policemen, adding authenticity to the production.
The actor will lead the series alongside Charlie Heaton, Jessica Brown Findlay, Lashana Lynch, and Lucy Karczewski, forming a fresh ensemble cast that reflects the show’s generational shift.
Creator Steven Knight described the upcoming instalment as a story of a city rebuilding itself after the devastation of World War II.
He emphasised that Duke Shelby will emerge as a central figure—older, sharper, and driven by ambition.
“The new generation of Shelbys has taken the wheel, and it will be a hell of a ride,” Knight said.
For those unfamiliar, Bell rose to fame at just 14 with his breakout role in Billy Elliot and went on to star in major productions such as King Kong and Rocketman.
His casting signals a bold new direction for the franchise, blending legacy storytelling with fresh energy.
Fans of Peaky Blinders are eagerly anticipating how Bell will step into the Shelby legacy and lead the series into a new era, as the show continues to evolve while maintaining its signature style, intensity, and historical depth.
