Cillian Murphy returns for series three of Peaky Blinders, the multi award-winning BBC Two gangster epic in which he plays Tommy Shelby.

Set in the lawless streets of Birmingham in the 1920s, it depicts the lives and loves of the Shelby clan, a family who run the most feared and powerful local gang, the Peaky Blinders.

Originally named for their practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, they make money from illegal betting, protection and the black market.

Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby (Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/BBC)
Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby (Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/BBC)

But Tommy’s ambitions go beyond running the streets and as series three opens, it’s two years after we last saw him escaping certain death.

As the third explosive series gets under way, here are five things you can expect to see in this run of the acclaimed BBC drama.

1. Tommy’s bride is revealed

Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby (Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/BBC)
Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby (Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/BBC)

Tommy’s going up in the world. He owns a manor house in Warwickshire, which is the venue for his wedding to… We won’t spoil it. You’ll have to tune in to find out who the identity of the lucky lady.

Talking about Tommy’s marriage, Cillian said: “Tommy and the family are now very wealthy, with big houses and fancy cars, so materially they are doing very well. Emotionally however, that is another matter.”

2. There’s a new kid in town

Paddy Considine as Father Hughes   (Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/BBC)
Paddy Considine as Father Hughes (Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/BBC)

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Father John Hughes played by superb character actor, Paddy Considine. Writer Steven Knight said: “I would describe him as the most evil character that has ever appeared in Peaky. He is part of a very powerful group.”

Steven added: “He is more of a spiritual authority than a political authority therefore he is more of a difficult enemy for the Shelbys to take on.”

3. Polly’s plagued by guilt

Helen McCrory as Aunt Polly Gray (Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/BBC)
Helen McCrory as Aunt Polly Gray (Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/BBC)

At the end of series two, Polly (Helen McCrory) took revenge to the ultimate level and killed Inspector Campbell (Sam Neill). But that won’t be the end of the matter as the new series unfolds.

Talking about her character, Helen said: “You find a woman that, as a Catholic, is damned as a murderer. This series explores what happens to Polly’s soul and her mind as she carries the knowledge that she has killed a man.”

She added: “It is interesting to see how she battles with her conscience while still being part of this world that continues to be involved in killing.”

4. Tom Hardy’s back!

Tom Hardy in Peaky Blinders (Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/BBC)
Tom Hardy in Peaky Blinders (Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/BBC)

Tom Hardy made a scene-stealing appearance as Jewish gangster Alfie Solomons in series two, and we’re already chomping at the bit for his imminent reappearance.

Dangerous and unpredictable, he is a worthy rival and foil for Tommy. Bring it on!

5. Arthur’s demons are ever-present

Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby (Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/BBC)
Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby (Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/BBC)

In the second series, Arthur (Paul Anderson) became increasingly unhinged as he struggled to deal with the trauma of the Great War. His cocaine habit spiralled and he faced a murder charge. Two years down the line, Arthur has embraced both marriage and God, but is he really more stable emotionally?

On the subject of his compelling character, Paul hailed Peaky Blinders’ writer.

“I was very grateful to Steven as he has written such a powerful character in Arthur,” he said. “In my opinion, it is the best series he has written.”

Peaky Blinders is broadcast on May 5 at 9pm on BBC Two.