Former Peaky Blinders actor Joe Cole has opened up about his late co-star, Helen McCrory, describing her as a “rare gem.” The 33 year old star, who played John Shelby until series four of the show, appeared on This Morning alongside hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield to discuss his new spy thriller series, The Ipcress File. As he reflected on the impressive cast list for the ITV show, which includes Tom Hollander and Lucy Boynton, he admitted he had always had the pleasure of working with “phenomenal actors and actresses” - especially Cillian Murphy and Helen McCrory on the BBC crime drama, Peaky Blinders.