Peaky Blinders: The next generation
Sunday 25 August took us back into a world of gang turmoil in 1920s Birmingham, as the Shelby family got us hooked again… and the careers of Finn Cole and Harry Kirton are worth watching, too
For most 23-yearolds, being in one of the coolest shows on British telly since the age of 18 is just a fantasy. For Finn Cole, who plays matriarch Polly Gray’s son, Michael, it’s a reality. His good looks and acting ability no doubt helped him bag the role. But, having met him, we can confirm that the unassuming Finn could charm just about anyone. After finding success at a tender age, though, how has he stayed so down-to-earth? Here, the London-born actor, who also has a lead role
in US series
Animal Kingdom, talks about keeping his feet on the ground, and how having Helen McCrory as his on-screen mum will never get old…
Hi, Finn, how did you find making series five?
It’s really exciting just to see what comes out of Steve Knight’s pen next! I always want to know what’s in store for these characters, what he can put them through and how he will test the family as a whole. It’s the first season without my older brother, Joe [ his character, John Shelby, met a sticky end] but everyone is so supportive, so it’s a very comfortable working environment to come back to.
Did you miss not having someone from your reallife family on set?
Oh, of course. Not only was John Shelby a fantastic character, while Joe is a great actor, but it was also nice to have my brother on set and enjoy it all with him! But I see the rest of the cast like my family, too, so it’s always a joy, whether Joe’s there or not.
Are either of your parents actors, too?
No, they’re not. They both love film and TV but they’re not in the industry in any way. I think Joe and I were just attention-seeking teenagers!
You were so young when you first arrived in series two. Are you happy with Michael’s journey?
Totally. It’s pretty rare for young actors to play a role with such longevity and transformation. I’m very lucky and grateful for these guys to help me build that world and fall in love with that character and want to do it justice.
So, how are things with Michael in this series?
Well, you’ve seen it starts off with him coming back after the Wall Street Crash… It’s 1929 and he’s trying to recuperate everything. I also see Michael as the younger generation of the Peakys. He’s got an eye on the future. He knows what he wants, you see that as the show goes on.
Has growing up on screen had an effect on you?
Well, I haven’t been cutting anyone with razor blades! I think you do have to explore the gangster mindset, though, and see a world where you are desperate enough to make those kinds of decisions. But [Michael] is particularly far from the real me! He’s still figuring out where he fits into the family unit, with the genetics proving he’s got what it takes to be a Peaky Blinder. I’ve done scenes with the likes of Tom Hardy and other great actors, and I’ll never forget it.
This series is very dark…
It is, but I do think darkness should be explored and not run away from. It’s hard at times, bringing that to life. You don’t want to glorify violence, but it’s important to recognise it at the same time.
Who can we expect in terms of guest stars?
The Hunger Games star, Sam Claflin, and Anya Taylor-Joy (a young and very beautiful Anglo-American actress) – both unbelievable! But to have Cillian Murphy [who stars as Tommy Shelby] at the forefront makes everyone feel so comfortable. He treats everyone with such respect. When I started out as a teenager, not having acted before, I made the most of working with Cillian. Sadly, there are actors out there who will make it harder for other
actors, but not him. I feel the same about Helen McCrory. Having Helen as my mum will always be unbelievably cool!
And what about the talk of a Peaky Blinders movie?
I’ve heard about this, but not from any official sources! I’m up for anything, me.
Peaky Blinders is on BBC One, Sunday, 9pm
‘This series is very dark, but I do think darkness should be explored and not run away from’