PEAKY Blinders had plenty of important characters, but some of the most critical were the children of the major players, including the Shelby crime clan.

Decisions made by mob boss Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) were often taken with pushing forward his family’s, and as a result his children’s interest.

Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders.Peaky Blinders returns this year with a big screen adaptationCredit: Alamy

The same went for many of the other leading characters who were driven by a fundamental desire to protect their kids at any cost.

While many of the child stars were small tots when Peaky Blinders ran for six seasons on the BBC and , many are all grown up now.

Some have either made a name for themselves in showbiz or pursued other careers entirely.

Given the time jump to World War II in the upcoming many of the original child actors are unlikely to appear in the movie.

So let’s have a look at what they’re up to now.

Billy Jenkins (Charlie Shelby, Series 6)

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Billy Jenkins in a black tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie, standing against a white background, Image 2 shows Billy Jenkins as Charlie Shelby in Peaky Blinders

Billy played the second son born to Tommy and his first wife, Grace.

The 18-year-old actor has already had a stellar career having also played a young Prince Charles in Netflix’s other breakout drama, The Crown.

Since Peaky Blinders he has played the title role in the BBC’s Dodger about Charles Dickens’ creation and infamous pickpocket, The Artful Dodger.

Jensen Clarke (Charlie Shelby, Series 4 and 5)

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Jensen Clarke, portraying Charlie Shelby from Peaky Blinders, wearing a gold medal with a red and blue ribbon, standing in a gym, Image 2 shows Thomas Shelby holding Charles Shelby in his arms

Another actor to play Tommy’s son is , now 15, who is not only continuing acting but has a successful career as a gymnast and was even chosen to be on the English Acrobatics Squad.

Jensen told The Sun that starring on Peaky Blinders “was the best experience of my life.”

“The memories I made will stay with me forever, and to say I was an actual Shelby with the coolest TV dad ever was truly a dream come true! I can’t wait to see what I’m allowed of the new film,” he said.

“Being on the legendary show opened so many doors for me. I’ve continued acting with Talent4kidz and have been in numerous films.”

Jensen will soon appear in this year’s horror film, The Elms.

“In parallel, I’ve been working really hard in acrobatic gymnastics with Gymfinity Acrobatics and was recently selected for the English Acrobatics Squad with my partner Ela – 2026 is very exciting year ahead and I’m grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way,” the actor told us.

Orla McDonagh (Ruby Shelby, Series 6)

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Close-up of Orla McDonagh as Ruby Shelby from Peaky Blinders looking slightly down and to the left, Image 2 shows Orla McDonagh as Rihanna from Phoenix Rise

Orla played the older version of Ruby, was the daughter of Tommy and his second wife, Lizzie Stark.

The young actress is no stranger to playing in prestigious titles, having a role in the Oscar-nominated movie, Belfast.

Orla’s stand-out role is playing outcast Rihanna on the BBC teen drama, Phoenix Rise.

Heaven-Leigh Clee (Ruby Shelby, Series 5)

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Headshot of Heaven Leigh, who played Ruby Shelby in Series 5 of Peaky Blinders, Image 2 shows Heaven Leigh and Natasha O'Keeffe playing with a toy tea set on the set of Peaky Blinders

So far, Peaky Blinders’ is the only major acting credit for the young actress, but what a way to get her start in the business.

Heaven-Leigh, 12, told The Sun: “I loved working on the Peaky Blinders series and particularly remember enjoying my scenes with Natasha [O’Keefe who played Lizzie] as she made everything so much fun and played games with me in between takes.

“I still enjoy acting and my most recent short film ‘Ice Cream’ was released last year.”

Alfie Evans-Meese (Finn Shelby, Series 1)

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Finn Shelby (played by Alfie Evans-Meese) from Peaky Blinders holding a cleaver, Image 2 shows Alfie Evans-Meese from Peaky Blinders (Finn Shelby) now works as an NHS community nurse

Finn Shelby was the youngest brother of Tommy Shelby whom Alfie portrayed for six episodes in Peaky Blinders’ first season.

Alfie, now 24, may have got inspiration from his first role as Cody Waterson on the medical drama Doctors for his new career as a NHS nurse.

George Gwyther (Karl Thorne, Series 2)

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows George Gwyther playing Karl Thorne with Cillian Murphy in Peaky Blinders, Image 2 shows George Gwyther, playing Karl Thorne from Peaky Blinders, standing in a garden

George was only six years old when he appeared on two episodes of the Birmingham-based drama and played the son of Ada Shelby, the only sister of Tommy.

He told us: “The new Peaky Blinders film will, of course, be amazing. It will be great to see how the characters have evolved over the years.

“I was 6 when I landed the role of Karl Shelby and it was my first acting job. Karl was then 4 so in the new film he will be 20.”

George added: “Spending months on set felt like being part of one big family; we had so much fun. Sophie Rundle [Ada Shelby] even sent me Christmas balloons which I still have.

“I’m now 16 and still acting. I train with Stagebox who have helped me grow so much as an actor over the years.

“Their management team, Stagebox Management, work tirelessly to give me the best opportunities and I can’t thank them enough.”

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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