Peaky Blinders is back, and after a wait of more than two years [1] to find out who betrayed Tommy (Cillian Murphy) and the gang, the action packed first episode of series six did not disappoint. Picking up in the immediate aftermath of the botched attempt to assassinate Oswald Mosley (Sam Claflin), the answer to who was behind the treachery was quickly answered, alongside a beautiful tribute to the late Helen McCrory [2] (Aunt Polly). Show writer Steven Knight [3] had voiced his hopes for an appropriate send of for both the actress and the character, and both were pulled off with grace, and likely resulted in more than a few tears from viewers. Despite the demise of the family matriarch, and the Shelby clan seemingly more fragile and fragmented than they've ever been, life doesn't stop. Following a swift four-year time hop from 1929 to 1933, a sombre Tommy is drumming up business in Miquelon Island, and new business will always mean new adversaries.

There's been a lot of anticipation about which characters will be returning to the show, and finally the wait is over. In series 6, Tommy seems particularly keen to do business with Gina Gray's (Anya Taylor-Joy [4]) drug kingpin Uncle Jack, and although we are yet to meet him, if his slippery niece is anything to go by, he's going to make an interesting potential business partner. Other new faces have been drafted in to see out Peaky Blinders in television form — this isn't the end, as the franchise is confirmed to be returning in the form of a film [5].

Read on to find out which favourites have returned for series six, and the new characters we can expect to meet along the way.

Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby

As expected, Cillian is returning as Tommy Shelby — after all, there is no "Peaky Blinders" without the troubled, charismatic lead. Already an A-list mega star prior to appearing in the series, Cillian made his name in the films "28 Days Later", and "Batman Begins", and most recently can be found "A Quiet Place Part II".

Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby

Another firm fan favourite is the incredibly volatile Arthurs Shelby, who brings a stark contrast in dynamics compared to his brother Tommy. Apparently in more of a crisis than ever during series six, we can only hope that Arthur gets some peace, too. "Peaky Blinders" is Anderson's first major role. He previously had minor roles in film and television, including "Doctor Who", "Ashes to Ashes", and "The Revenant".

Sophie Rundle as Ada Shelby

The brilliant Sophie Rundle returns as the long suffering only sister of the Shelby crew. Rundle amazingly returned to her role of Ada just four weeks after the birth of her first child, to wrap up her role in the series. An already established television actress, she's previously starred in "Merlin", "The Bletchley Circle", and "Gentlemen Jack".

Harry Kirton as Finn Shelby

We've loved watching Harry Kirton grow into the role of Finn Shelby. Joining series two as the fresh-faced and youngest Shelby, he has now been well and truly initiated into the clan, taking on more dangerous work and establishing himself within the family firm. Kirton has previously made appearances in the films "Grey Matter", and "We Can Be Heroes".

Natasha O'Keeffe as Lizzie Shelby

Tommy's largely ignored wife, Lizzie, returns to the new series. Natasha O'Keeffe has appeared in "Misfits" and "Lip Service", and can most recently be seen in the adaptions of Robert Galbraith's (a pseudonym for J. K. Rowling) "Strike" series, as Strike's ex-girlfriend Charlotte.

Finn Cole as Michael Grey

Starring in "Peaky Blinders" as Polly's son who had been taken from her as a child, the character of Michael Grey is played by Finn Cole. "Peaky Blinders" is Cole's first television role, and he has since appeared in "An Inspector Calls", and currently stars in "Animal Kingdom".

Anya Taylor-Joy as Gina Grey

Rejoice! Despite being rightfully propelled into Hollywood superstardom between being initially cast as Gina Grey, and the final series of "Peaky Blinders" being filmed, the magnificent Anya Taylor-Joy has returned as Michael Grey's stateside wife. She has a plethora of films due for release in 2022, including "The Northman" and "The Menu", and made the most remarkable appearance in "The Queens Gambit" [6] and "Last Night In Soho" [7].

Sam Claflin as Oswald Moseley

We can't wait to see what the terrible real-life fascist dictator character of Oswald Moseley [8], played by Sam Claflin, will bring to this series. Claflin was previously known for appearing all of "The Hunger Games" films, and tear jerker "Me Before You".

Tom Hardy as Alfie Solomons

After being largely absent from series 5, we're pleased to see that Tom Hardy will be back as Alfie Solomons for series six. With the best one-liners in the show, Tommy and Alfie's love/hate relationship has been captivating. Definitely no stranger to stardom, Hardy was known for his roles in the films "Bronson", "Legend", and "Venom [9]".

Aimee Ffion Edwards as Esme Shelby-Lee

Another character we are glad to see return is Esme Shelby [10], who bowed out of the series at the end of series 3, when her husband John (Joe Cole) was killed by the mafia. So far, the "Peaky Blinders" series six trailer has acknowledged Esme's return, but we don't yet know why she's back. Edwards has previously starred in "Skins", "Being Human", and "Luther", and can currently be seen in "War of The Worlds".

James Frecheville as Uncle Jack Grey

The elusive Uncle Jack was first mentioned in series five, and it appears that Tommy really wants to talk to him in series six. We do know that has a major role in this final series, and will be played by Australian actor James Frecheville. He has previously appeared in the film "Animal Kingdom", and has been seen in hit television shows "New Girl", and "Transparent", as well as British period drama, "The Pursuit of Love".

Amber Anderson as Lady Diana Mitford

It is no secret that Amber Anderson was joining the cast of Peaky Blinders, but the creators have kept the nature of her role close pretty quiet. After episode 2 aired, it was revealed that Anderson plays Lady Diana Mitford: a dark, strong, and dangerous leading character, and the love interest/mistress of Oswald Moseley. Anderson has previously appeared in the film "Emma", and on television in "Black Mirror", and "Strike".

Charlene McKenna as Laura McKee

Irish actor Charlene McKenna plays the IRA's Captain Swing, Laura McKee in the sixth series of "Peaky Blinders". Previously, McKenna has starred in "Bloodlands", "Vienna Blood", and "Raw".

Stephen Graham as an Undisclosed Character

Stephen Graham is already a television legend. Having starred in the films "This Is England", and "The Irishman", he has years of experience under his belt. On television, he is known for "Boardwalk Empire", "Line of Duty [11]", and "Time". After much speculation [12], it appears that Graham's character will not be an enemy of the Shelby's, but not much else is known.

Conrad Khan as an Undisclosed Character

Conrad Khan has also not had much given away about his role in "Peaky Blinders". Having previously appeared in the film "County Lines", and in television on "Black Mirror" and "Baptiste", he's already been nominated for a Rising Star award at the BAFTAS. With everything about his role remaining tight lipped, we look forward to seeing what his character will bring to the show.