Peaky Blinders Lookalike Contest Draws Enthusiasts

Individuals adorned in flat caps and waistcoats, adopting an ‘ice-cool’ gaze, assembled with aspirations of being named the top Tommy Shelby lookalike from Peaky Blinders. The competition was held on Saturday in Birmingham city centre, aligning with the current global trend of celebrity doppelganger contests. More than 100 onlookers gathered outside the Bullring to observe contestants presenting their interpretations of Cillian Murphy’s character. Derek Brennan, aged 66, was declared the victor, a decision based on the volume of applause and the assessments of the judges. “My looks and my personality won me the competition, I can’t help but be the best,” Mr Brennan quipped. In an interview with the BBC, he mentioned that he initially considered himself too old to be a lookalike, yet friends consistently noted his resemblance to the protagonist of Steven Knight’s popular series. “People would tell me I look like him [Cillian Murphy] but I always thought I’d be too old so I joke and say I could be his dad.” Student Joe Freeman, having learned of the event on Instagram, attended despite the rain, dressed in a suit. His commitment was demonstrated by getting a haircut the day prior. “I really love the Peaky Blinders and my auntie who is American always says I look like Thomas Shelby – I was going all out and here to win.” James Dunley, 22, and his father Arthur journeyed from Telford, Shropshire, to participate. James stated that the atmosphere created by fellow fans enhanced the event’s excitement. He commented, “I’m Irish so I share that connection with Cillian and I’m told that I have similar features as him as well.” He further added, “I’m more here for the fans, the excitement and just meeting everybody.” Dunley also noted, “I became a huge fan of the show after people kept telling me I looked like Tommy.” The television series, which aired from 2013 to 2022, depicted the adventures of a Birmingham crime syndicate in the period following World War One. A Peaky Blinders film is now scheduled for Netflix, with Oscar winner Murphy slated to reprise his character as the popular Brummie gangster. For updates from BBC Birmingham, connect via BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not accountable for the content of external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.