MACCLESFIELD is to take a staring role in acclaimed gangster drama Peaky Blinders as the second series hits TV screens tonight.

It might be set in 1920s Birmingham, but some key scenes were filmed at the town’s Christ Church on Bridge Street earlier this year.

It isn't just Macclesfield which formed the backdrop for the big-budget BBC show most filming took place on a set at Roundthorn Studios in Wythenshawe.

The show is based on the real-life Peaky Blinders gang - so-called because they stitched razor blades into their caps to use as weapons - and the lives of the notorious Shelby clan.

With Hollywood heartthrob Tom Hardy joining an already stellar cast, alongside the likes of Cillian Murphy and Sam Neill, this season looks set to be an even bigger ratings hit than the first.

The first episode picks up two years after the last left off, and his crime boss character Tommy Shelby’s world and ambitions have expanded, he told us.

“Tommy wants to move out of his Birmingham stronghold and make his mark in London,” Cillian said.

“It’s the classic gangster story of the desire to eventually make his business interests legitimate, but forever being pulled back down into the gangster world.” 

Encroaching on a new patch brings a ‘whole new world of pain’ for Tommy to deal with, Cillian said, with a new enemy in the form of Tom Hardy’s character, the London gangster Alfie Solomon.

Discussing the similarities between the pair, Cillian said: “They’re both very clever, charismatic men who both want to expand their territories and that brings big conflict with it.”

The actors got along far better than their characters and Tom was quick to settle in to the cast.

“Everyone was very comfortable with each other and he’s such a phenomenal actor and loves the show,” said Cillian.

Cillian was also full of praise for Sam Neill, who plays Tommy’s nemesis Chief Inspector Chester Campbell.

“Sam is such a fantastic actor. You shouldn’t love Campbell but you just can’t help it and that’s the brilliance of Sam’s performance,” he said.

 

Speaking to the Express in May Peaky Blinder’s producer, Laurie Borg, said Christ Church suited the program’s needs perfectly.

He said: “We were looking for a Presbyterian church and Christ Church was put forward.

"When we saw it we couldn’t believe our luck. It’s very beautiful and exactly what we needed.

"Filming here has been great we love Macclesfield, everyone has been so welcoming.”

Peaky Blinders is on BBC2 at 9pm.