Cillian Murphy pictured filming Peaky Blinders scenes in old quarry near Rochdale

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Peaky Blinders. Actress Helen McCrory had been in Peaky Blinders from the very beginning as the no-nonsense Aunt Polly.

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Line Of Duty star, 47 - whose character on the show is currently a mystery - joined Tommy Shelby actor Cillian Murphy as he kicked off his duties in the period crime drama. The newcomer was due to shot scenes for his role last year before the pandemic, previously sharing: 'I was supposed to be starting Peaky Blinders but that has been put on hold indefinitely.

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has shared a tribute to the late Helen McCrory.The showrunner worked with McCrory as Polly Shelby in the hit BBC series.“Helen McCrory was both the sovereign and the maid, regal and rebellious in the same minute,” Knight told the Radio Times (per Metro).“There was a look she had that pinned the object of her gaze to the wall, amused and aloof and time-stopping.

Peaky Blinders. Peaky Blinders follows a gangster family of Irish and Romani travellers in Birmingham.

Cillian Murphy is mourning the loss of Helen McCrory.

The showbiz world is mourning the loss of a signing star taken too soon as Helen McCrory tragically passed away from a battle with cancer at the age of 52.

READ MORE: Helen McCrory 'raised millions working tirelessly for others'The National Theatre's artistic director Rufus Norris said Ms McCrory was "unquestionably one of the great actors of her generation". He added: "We are shattered and will miss her terribly.

Helen McCrory, the stage and screen star known for her roles in the Harry Potter films and the BBC series Peaky Blinders, has died from cancer aged 52. Actor Damian Lewis, who married McCrory in 2007, shared a statement on Twitter announcing that she had died peacefully at home after “a heroic battle with cancer”.

Peaky Blinders star Helen McCrory has tragically passed away. The English actress passed away at the age of 52, her husband Billions actor Damian Lewis confirmed on Twitter just moments ago.  In his moving announcement, he said: “I’m heartbroken to announce that after an 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,” he wrote. “She died as she lived.

READ MORE: Helen McCrory death: Late Peaky Blinders' star love at first unveiledNews of Helen's death came earlier today when her husband Damian Lewis announced she had died from cancer aged 52. He shared the devastating news in a post on Twitter.

pic. twitter.

Peaky Blinders Cillian Murphy has paid tribute to his late co-star Helen McCrory.The actor, who plays Tommy Shelby in the series, starred opposite McCrory as matriarch Polly Gray.“I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend,” Murphy said in a statement to the PA news agency obtained by the Evening Standard. He continued: “Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being.