FILM crews have descended upon Le Mans Crescent as production of the sixth series of Peaky Blinders gets underway.

Excited fans tried to catch a glimpse of star Cillian Murphy, who plays Tommy Shelby in the series set in 1930s Birmingham, but it’s not known if he was on set.

Although production vehicles were spotted in the crescent early on Monday morning, the actors didn’t arrive until mid-afternoon.

Fencing has been put up around the area with the entire road closed off to vehicles.

Set designers were spotted scattering gravel along the road to cover markings and painting over signs at the entrance of the Albert Halls.

Production crews had also set up at Bolton Parish Church.

The Bolton News understands that filming with take place today and tomorrow, with the road being fully reopened again on Friday April 2.

Peaky Blinders is on of the BBC’s most successful dramas has become cult viewing since it began in 2013.

The series follows Tommy Shelby and his notorious family’s rise to prominence and power, against the backdrop of working class, post-First World War Birmingham.

Creator and writer, Steven Knight, says: “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. While the TV series will be coming to an end, the story will continue in another form.”

Executive producer, Caryn Mandabach, said “Along with our wonderful, supportive, partners at BBC and Netflix, we have been working diligently to ensure we can get Peaky safely back into production; the safety of our cast and crew is always our priority.

“Thank you to all the Peaky fans who have been so unwaveringly supportive and patient. Steve’s scripts are incredible and mark the end of an epic story that has entranced audiences since it first started in 2013, but the world of Peaky Blinders will most definitely live on.”

Tommy Bulfin, Executive Producer for the BBC, says: “We are very excited that filming for Peaky Blinders has begun and so grateful to everyone for all their hard work to make it happen.

“Steve’s scripts for series six are truly remarkable and provide a fitting send-off which we are sure will delight fans.”