Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson made headlines this week as he looks totally different from his iconic TV character, Arthur Shelby, during a day out in London. The 48-year-old actor, recently in the spotlight for admitting to crack cocaine and amphetamine possession, faced the consequences in court, where he received a fine of £1,345.
Stepping out into the bustling streets of London, Anderson ditched the polished Arthur Shelby look for a more casual ensemble. Clad in a chunky cream fleece, a daring leopard print hoody paired with jeans and trainers, the star opted for a low-key vibe while grabbing a pastry from a local bakery.
This drastic departure from his on-screen persona follows his courtroom drama, where he pleaded guilty to possessing crack cocaine, class B amphetamines, and two class C prescription substances. The charges stemmed from an incident on Boxing Day when Anderson, accompanied by a friend and a baby, was found with a Class A drug and a smoking pipe in a London pub.
The Peaky Blinders star receives a hefty fine for possession
As fans eagerly anticipate the Peaky Blinders movie, Anderson’s legal woes could challenge the production team. A source revealed that the conviction might have a ‘significant impact’ on the film, adding uncertainty about the character’s pivotal role and the overall direction of the anticipated sequel.
The court hearing shed light on the circumstances surrounding Anderson’s arrest. A pub manager in Hampstead alerted the police after a patron detected crack cocaine fumes emanating from the disabled toilet where Anderson had been. Subsequently, the actor, described as ‘intoxicated,’ was apprehended with a young man and a 17-month-old baby nearby. The police discovered crack cocaine, amphetamines, diazepam, and pregabalin on his person.
Despite initial denials during the interview, Anderson later tested positive for opiates and cocaine, excluding crack cocaine. His defence lawyer, Moira MacFarlane, argued that the actor often finds it challenging to resist slipping into his notorious Peaky Blinders character when recognized by fans. MacFarlane asserted that Anderson attempted to entertain fans on Boxing Day and succumbed to inducements due to his lifestyle.
Questions raised about star’s future role in upcoming film
This incident has also raised questions about Anderson’s future on the Peaky Blinders set, as a colleague had previously filed a complaint, prompting an internal investigation into his conduct. While details of the complaint remain undisclosed, sources close to Anderson have vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Anderson’s recent appearance in a promotional video for the Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk boxing match showcased him in a different light, playing a barber in the Wild West. This contrasts sharply with his gritty role as Arthur Shelby, the fierce and drug-involved character in Peaky Blinders, which concluded its run in 2022.
As the legal saga unfolds, the Peaky Blinders movie remains in the hands of screenwriter Steven Knight. The film, expected to incorporate real-life stories from World War II, faces uncertainties with Anderson’s legal predicament looming over the production.
In a statement regarding the film, Knight had previously indicated its release in cinemas by Spring 2024. However, the recent developments might force the production team to rethink their strategy or potentially alter the storyline to accommodate Anderson’s situation.