Last night saw the much anticipated return of hit BBC show, Peaky Blinders. The program, which is in it’s sixth season had been much delayed to the Covid-19 pandemic so fans were delighted to see it back on our screens.
The first episode of this new season was dedicated to the late Helen McCrory who played the now iconic role of Polly Gray on the show. Helen sadly passed away in April of last year, and it was revealed that she died at home after a private battle with cancer.
The news was shared at the time by her husband, Damian Lewis in an emotional statement posted to Twitter. He said; “I’m heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family.”
“She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God we loved her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.”
Her co-star Cillian spoke about what a huge loss she is to the show and as a friend. Speaking with Esquire UK he said; “I still can’t believe she’s not here. It doesn’t make sense. I’ve never lost anyone like that — who was young and a friend.”
“She was inspirational. People throw that word around, but she genuinely was. Her values, the way she dealt with her kids and Damian…”
Continuing he added; “It was very confusing. But she was magnificent. She was an absolutely magnificent person. She cares about everybody. She’s really funny and really cool, and she had this real warmth. She really cared.”
It’s just not the same #PeakyBlinders pic.twitter.com/oHPslxWEfQ
— Cillian Murphy Fans (@CMurphyFans) February 27, 2022
Peaky Blinders is a cinematic masterpiece from the soundtrack to the costumes and the videography pic.twitter.com/TGhYg8dbJZ
— Peaky Blinders (@BlindersPeaky) February 28, 2022
Cillian Murphy is extraordinary as Tommy Shelby.
He absolutely owns the screen.
A stunning performance.#cillianmurphy #PeakyBlinders #peakyblinders6 pic.twitter.com/0DtKAyWUXE
— Karl Cunliffe (@KDCunliffe) February 27, 2022
the way the scene fell silent with only background noise to guide it whilst it focused on each individual and their grief, and letting us viewers do the same, was so powerful. it’s a moment that’ll forever stay with us! they did helen so proud🕊 #PeakyBlinders pic.twitter.com/QPNiPPOJR3
— 𝒞 • peaky spoilers‼️ (@shelbyblinders_) February 27, 2022
aunt polly will be sorely missed this season. rip helen mccrory💔 #PeakyBlinders pic.twitter.com/R0WKMnap2z
— zöe (@zoebowiie) February 27, 2022
Peaky Blinders should be retitled Thomas Shelby. Cillian Murphy carries the show alone, mesmerising, menacing, magnificent 😍
— Kenfica (@Kenfica1) February 27, 2022
The passing of Polly Gray couldn’t have been scripted any better, a perfect tribute to the great Helen McCrory. It takes an incredible cast to have the courage to act out those scenes and they did her proud. Brilliant first episode. #PeakyBlinders pic.twitter.com/XPygx5E9mA
— Luke Higgins (@LukeHiggins) February 27, 2022