Peaky Blinders filming halted after crew member's 'false positive' test

29 April 2021

Filming on 'Peaky Blinders' was halted after a crew member's "false positive" test.

Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby

The BBC One period crime drama had to stop shooting the show's sixth and final series as a crew member and anyone who came into contact with them self-isolated, but they later tested negative and filming is due to resume on the finale.

A show spokesperson told MailOnline: "Filming was stood down on Peaky Blinders because of a false positive test result for a member of the crew.

"In line with protocol, this person took an NHS test and anyone who came into contact with them self-isolated - the safety of our team on 'Peaky Blinders' is of paramount importance.

"The NHS test has come back negative and filming will resume as normal tomorrow."

Filming on 'Peaky Blinders' resumed in January after an enforced break due to the coronavirus pandemic, and creator and writer Steven Knight confirmed at the time the programme will come to an end after the upcoming sixth series.

He said: "'Peaky' is back and with a bang.

"After the enforced production delay due to the COVID pandemic, we find the family in extreme jeopardy and the stakes have never been higher.

"We believe this will be the best series of all and are sure that our amazing fans will love it."

Earlier this month, 'Peaky' star Helen McCrory - who played Polly Gray in the BBC show - passed away "peacefully" aged 52 following a battle with cancer.

Cillian Murphy - who portrays lead character Tommy Shelby in the show - led tributes to Helen, describing her as a "beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being".

He said: "I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being. She was also a gifted actor - fearless and magnificent. She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played.

"It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years. I will dearly miss my pal. My love and thoughts are with Damian and her family."