Story perspectives

BBC Launches Peaky Blinders Return, Jamie Bell Stars

6/12/2026

Summary

BBC Launches

The BBC announced a new Peaky Blinders series set in early-1950s post-war Birmingham.
Six one-hour episodes will air on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and worldwide on Netflix.
Jamie Bell plays Duke Shelby, Charlie Heaton plays Charles Shelby, and Conleth Hill plays rival gang leader Clemmy Keeler.
Filming at Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham proceeds under a new BBC partnership funded by an annual £40 million West Midlands investment.

Summary

BBC Partners

The BBC's Peaky Blinders sequel is the inaugural commission under its partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority and Create Central.
The West Midlands Combined Authority will invest £40 million annually to expand TV-production capacity and create jobs around Digbeth, Birmingham.
The agreement obliges the BBC to increase West Midlands production investment by delivering two six-episode series for a 2027 release, reinforcing Birmingham’s cultural profile as a UK drama hub.

History

Historical Context

After the BBC announced in 2004 that it would shift hundreds of jobs north, the Salford Quays site was selected in 2006 and, by May 2011, staff had transferred to MediaCityUK, a move credited with adding about £1 billion to the regional economy. The 2024 West Midlands deal mirrors that model, channeling funds to Digbeth Studios to spark a similar creative hub.

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BBC Launches

The BBC announced a new Peaky Blinders series set in early-1950s post-war Birmingham.
Six one-hour episodes will air on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and worldwide on Netflix.
Jamie Bell plays Duke Shelby, Charlie Heaton plays Charles Shelby, and Conleth Hill plays rival gang leader Clemmy Keeler.
Filming at Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham proceeds under a new BBC partnership funded by an annual £40 million West Midlands investment.

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