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Peaky Blinders pay tribute to Helen McCrory after death aged 52 from cancer

peaky blinders - helen mccrory
Helen has been remembered by the Peaky Blinders team (Picture: BBC)

Peaky Blinders have paid tribute to the fearless Aunt Polly following news actress Helen McCrory has died at the age of 52.

The actress’s death from a private battle with cancer was confirmed by her husband, actor Damian Lewis, this evening.

Helen was a central role in the Birmingham gangster drama, with her no-nonsense attitude to life being the only thing that kept the Shelby boys in check.

In a photo shared by the team, who are currently filming the sixth and final season, Helen can be seen with her arms folded and holding a stern stare to her scene partner.

‘Helen McCrory as Polly Gray,’ they wrote. ‘All our love and thoughts are with Helen’s family. Rest in peace.’

The BBC have also said their condolences, and Piers Wenger, BBC Director of Drama wrote: ‘Helen was one of the finest actresses this country will ever see. From Potter to Peaky, from Blair to Bond, Helen’s fearlessness made every part she played unique and unmissable.

Helen McCrory
Polly was the only woman who knew how to keep the Peaky Blinders boys in check (Picture: BBC)

‘Her body of work speaks of her extraordinary talent, what it doesn’t speak of is her kindness, intelligence and sense of fun.

‘This is too soon, too cruel. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this incredibly sad time.’

The two tributes join the countless commemorations from the acting world, including Michael Sheen, Reece Shearsmith, Matt Lucas, Noel Clarke and Bafta.

Helen is survived by husband Damian, and their two children Manon and Gulliver.

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