Stephen Graham joins the cast of 'Peaky Blinders'

Stephen Graham is joining the cast of Peaky Blinders, it has been confirmed.

The Line Of Duty actor has bagged a role in the sixth series of the Birmingham-based gangster show.

The crime drama confirmed the news today, tweeting: “We’re thrilled that @StephenGraham73 has joined the cast of #PeakyBlinders series 6.”

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After the news broke, Graham tweeted: “Thanks for having me.”

Graham’s casting has been rumoured for a long time, as in 2019 the show’s creator Steven Knight suggested the actor was in the frame for a role.

And the rumours gathered pace early this week when the actor was spotted on set.

Character details are yet to come, but some fans are hoping Graham will play Al Capone, who he played in Boardwalk Empire.

“How cool it would be if he reprises his role as Al Capone from Boardwalk Empire. Especially since Peaky reference him already,” tweeted one viewer.

“That would be amazing!” agreed another fan.

“Got to be Al Capone surely!” said another.

Whoever he plays, viewers are convinced Graham will be perfect.

“Peaky Blinders has impeccable taste in talent!” one person tweeted, while another said they were “surprised he wasn't on the show sooner”.

Peaky Blinders, which premiered in 2013, stars Cillian Murphy, Joe Cole and Paul Anderson.

It also starred the late Helen McCrory, who died aged 52 this month following a private battle with cancer.

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After the star’s death, director Anthony Byrne paid tribute by posting a picture of a Peaky Blinders clapperboard painted with a picture of McCrory as her character Aunt Polly, surrounded by the words: "Rest In Peace Helen."

The picture, posted to the BBC's official Peaky Blinders account was captioned: "Forever part of the Peaky Blinders family."

Watch: Actor Damian Lewis pays tribute to late wife Helen McCrory