Peaky Blinders will come to an end after the upcoming sixth series, it has been confirmed.
But creator and writer Steven Knight said the story would continue in “another form”.
He cited the news in a statement confirming that the hit crime drama, based in Birmingham interwar, had begun production after a delay due to coronavirus.
He said: “Peaky is back with a bang. After the delayed rape result due to Covid pandemic, we found the family in great danger and the stakes were never higher.
“We think this is the best series of all and we are sure that our amazing fans will enjoy it. As the TV series comes to an end, the story continues in another format. ”
The sixth series, written by Knight, concludes with the saga of Tommy Shelby, Cork-based actor Cillian Murphy, and how his family grew to power against Birmingham’s industrial backdrop.
Series five, which included Sam Claflin as leader of the British Fascists Union Oswald Mosley, ended with a cliffhanger and the Shelby family betrayed by their relatives.
Helen McCrory starred as Polly Gray and Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby, as well as Anya Taylor-Joy as Gina Gray.
Production on the BBC One series has now begun with coronavirus protocols and within UK Government guidelines.
Announcing the news, the official Instagram account for the show shared a photo of Murphy on a set with a patterned face mask.
Executive producer Caryn Mandabach said: “Together with our amazing, supportive partners at BBC and Netflix, we have worked hard to make sure we get Peaky back safely to production; the safety of our team and crew is always a priority for us.
“Many thanks to the Peaky fans who have been so supportive and patient. Series six marks the end of an epic story that has attracted an audience since it first debuted in 2013, but the world of the Peaky Blinders will surely live on. ”
BBC executive producer Tommy Bulfin said: “We are delighted that filming for Peaky Blinders has begun and so grateful to everyone for all their hard work.
“Steve’s scripts for series six are fantastic and put on a reception that we are sure will delight fans. ”
Anthony Byrne returns as director after leading series five and Nick Goding does.
Lucy Bedford is an executive producer for the production company Tiger Aspect.