The BBC has finally confirmed the release date for the long-awaited sixth and final series of Peaky Blinders.
It was revealed by the show’s creator, Steven Knight, towards the end of last year that after filming had wrapped up, he was hoping for a Spring-time release for the final season of the critically-acclaimed BBC drama – which follows the exploits of the Shelby crime family, lead by celebrated Irish actor Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, in the direct aftermath of the First World War – citing an expected air date of sometime between March and May 2022.
But now, the BBC has confirmed that we’re getting it much earlier than initially thought.
The broadcaster has this morning revealed the previously-secret air date to be Sunday 27 February 2022 at 9pm via a video shared to social media.
In a bid to get fans excited for the much-anticipated series, the air date and timeslot allocation was revealed by way of a large mural – commissioned by the BBC and created by Manchester’s mural king and legendary street artist, Akse P19.
Production for the sixth and final series of the much-loved show first began all the way back in 2019, but had to be put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before filming resumed back in early 2021.
Most-notably back in February, the viaduct and arches around Castlefield took a pretty impressive step back in time and had undergone quite the transformation to pay resemblance to the show’s setting of early-1900s Birmingham.
With several wooden scaffolds, market-style props, trader signs, sacks, barrels and the Shelby’s famous ‘The Garrison’ all spotted by eagle-eyed fans, the area looked almost unrecognisable to those who know our city centre, but extremely familiar for viewers of the cult-favourite BBC drama series.
Cast members from show had also been spotted outside The Plaza in Stockport and on Formby Beach earlier in the same month.
With several wooden scaffolds, market-style props, trader signs, sacks, barrels and the Shelby’s famous ‘The Garrison’ all spotted by eagle-eyed fans, the area looked almost unrecognisable to those who know our city centre, but extremely familiar for viewers of the cult-favourite BBC drama series.
Cast members from show had also been spotted outside The Plaza in Stockport and on Formby Beach earlier in the same month.
The sixth and final series of the acclaimed BBC drama airs at the end of this month / Credit: BBC
Boasting one of the most star-studded casts on British television, the new series will see the Shelby family return to continue their war against fascist politician Oswald Mosley (Sam Claflin), as well as crossing paths with a mysterious new character played by acclaimed BAFTA-nominated actor, Stephen Graham.
The Queen’s Gambit breakout star Anya Taylor-Joy will also reprise her role, and legendary British actor Tom Hardy is once again set to reappear as Alfie Solomons.
A notable absence will be Helen McCrory, who played matriarch Polly Gray, but tragically died of cancer last year at aged 52.
Cillian Murphy recently said it was “really hard” making the show without her in an interview with The Guardian, adding: “We were just five days away from shooting in March 2020 when the lockdown was announced. Helen was the heart of that show and it was hard to make it without her [as] she died while we were filming.”
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He admitted: “There was this huge absence on the set – we all felt it.”
A red carpet screening of the first episode of Peaky Blinders’ final series will be held on 24 February at Cineworld on Broad Street in Birmingham, and a recently-announced ballot will allow about 300 fans to attend the premier.
Peaky Blinders S6 begins on Sunday 27 February at 9pm on BBC One.
Wigan Warriors have done it: they’ve officially lifted the 2025 Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup for the first time in their history following an emphatic victory over serial champions, St Helens.
The Greater Manchester club managed not only to finally win the tournament but also to put a stop to St Helens’ hugely successful streak and what would have been five consecutive wins.
Spurred on by some smart tactics from club legend and boss, Dennis Betts – who won the competition seven times with Wigan as a player himself – the Warriors put in an imperious performance, leading by 18 at half time. Now that’s how you start a match.
Here’s the moment they finally got their hands on it:
Not only was the first-ever Challenge Cup win for Wigan Warriors Women, but it also ended a fairly significant silverware drought that has felt even longer for the supporters.
The last time a female Wigan Warriors squad won a major trophy was in the Super League back in 2018, when they also managed to win a maiden Grand Final against Leeds Rhinos by just 18-16.
Cut to this weekend, and the team fielded was much more impressive, not just when it comes to taking an early lead but by stretching and consolidating it to continue controlling the game.
In fact, Wigan were up by 24 before the opposition coaching duo Derek Hardman and Craig Richards’ side even got points on the board.
Full-back Grace Banks pipped her teammates to the Player of the Match award, but there were star showings all over the pitch, including a prolific Isabel Rowe and a wonderful run from Eva Hunter.
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) June 7, 2025
Truth be told, it was a bit of a thrashing and one of their best scorelines of the season – kind of them to save it for an epic conclusion at Wembley Stadium.
As for Salford-born Betts, who was once a prospect at Manchester United, playing with the B team alongside the likes of Mark Robins and Clayton Blackmore, this was his first trophy in charge of the women’s team in what has already been a remarkable career.
What a success story his sporting switch turned out to be
Congratulations to a local club with a very bright future ahead.
One of the co-creators of the much-loved Manchester to Blackpool charity bike ride is looking to reunite with some of his fellow founding members for a very special anniversary of the heartwarming event.
Way back when, Tony O’Dwyer was one of just six original riders who embarked on the bike ride from Manchester – Media City in Salford Quays, more precisely – to the Blackpool seafront, which has gone on to become a beloved and regularly frequented fundraiser.
Fast forward four decades later and not only is the annual cycling event approaching its 40th anniversary, but O’Dwyer himself is looking to take it on yet again, just four days before his 70th birthday.
Oh yeah, it’s worth mentioning he’s done it every year since the beginning – including solo during the pandemic. Simply incredible.
Go on, Tony, lad! (Credit: The Christie Charity)
To make things even more memorable, the Wigan-born bike-riding legend is calling on his fellow Manchester-Blackpool bike ride founders to join him in a momentous reunion that is both a personal celebration and one that champions the famous fundraising endurance challenge.
It may have started out as little more than half a dozen blokes setting off from Albert Square in Manchester city centre on a pretty ambitious voyage, but it’s gone on to become a North West tradition and a powerful way to support vital causes, not least of all charities like The Christie Foundation.
This year, Tony will be riding once again to raise funds for The Christie in honour of his late father, Franco O’Dwyer, who was cared for by the specialist hospital and research centre after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Franco sadly died 10 years ago, and Tony has been a passionate supporter of the organisation ever since, taking various fundraising challenges even beyond his usual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary edition, Tony said: “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since we first did it. Back in 1985, it was just a group of mates, a few bikes, and the road to Blackpool – we didn’t have the gear, just grit and a bit of madness!
Credit: Supplied
“We passed through Leigh, Standish, Preston, and St Annes, stopping at pubs and windmills along the way, just enjoying the journey. I’d love to reconnect with the original group – Mike, Barry, Susan, John, Margaret and Christine – it would be brilliant to see where life has taken them.”
“The first time I did the bike ride, I was in fancy dress as a lion, and I’ve done it every year since. I even did it during COVID on my own when the event was postponed, and there were others on the way doing it themselves too, which was amazing to see!”
Crediting The Christie with prolonging his father’s life and giving his family that extra precious time, he’s now proud to fly the flag for the foundation, and they have just as much love for him.
Mass participation events officer Josh Hughff added: “Tony is an incredible ambassador for the Charity and for this event. His dedication over four decades is inspiring, and we’re honoured he continues to ride in support of The Christie Charity.
“His story is a reminder of the lasting power of community, memory, and giving back.”
For anyone who’d like to join Tony and be part of ‘Team Christie’ 2025 as they head towards the seaside town’s South Promenade, you can sign up HERE.
As for those pioneers who first took on the challenge all those years ago, if you were part of that original group or know someone who was, please contact Maggie Doyle at The Christie Charity on 07717 532195.
Fingers crossed we can get the gang back together.
Emily Sergeant -
15th February 2022 
