Inside troubled Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson's chaotic life as actor looks unrecognisable

Daily Mirror

04-05-2025

Paul Anderson, best known for his role as the gangster Arthur Shelby in Peaky Blinders has sparked concern from friends and fans over his health and brushes with the law
While he's best known as a well-dressed and quick-witted criminal in Peaky Blinders, away from the cameras, Paul Anderson, who plays notorious gangster Arthur Shelby, has had a turbulent time.
Starring in one of the nation's most favourite TV shows, Anderson's sharp-suited character has amassed fans all over the country, but in real life, he has been plagued by health issues, alleged career setbacks and criminal charges.
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The 46-year-old has sparked concerns in recent years after fans were shocked by images of the actor looking dishevelled and caught with crack cocaine on him. Close friends have also shared their worries the father-of-one was on a "downward spiral" after breaking the law and had reportedly gone missing from his million pound London home.
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He was recently charged with riding a motorbike without insurance near Lord's Cricket Ground last August, shortly after he shared a snap of himself next to the impressive BMW bike on Instagram. However he failed to attend the hearing for driving without insurance where he was found guilty - despite claims he is "untraceable".
Anderson was also unreachable when he was meant to meet with a social worker after pleading guilty to possessing crack cocaine in January last year. The Sun reported in December 2023 how the actor, who has had plot lines involving drugs on Peaky Blinders,was caught with crack cocaine on Boxing Day in Camden.
He pleaded guilty to possessing the Class A drug, as well as Class B amphetamines and two Class C prescription substances. He was fined £1,345 after appearing in front of magistrates. An arrest warrant was issued, but it was reportedly withdrawn several weeks ago because Anderson could not be traced. Scotland Yard told the news site inquiries were ongoing.
However despite being "missing" he has recently given a rare interview to a local Scottish newspaper ahead of a planned appearance in Dundee in June. In the interview, he hinted at a new series of Peaky Blinders set to begin filming this summer, as well as sharing details on his friendship with Tyson Fury.
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Last summer the actor also detailed he was "struggling" in a clip shared to Instagram, which sparked concerns of a "downward spiral" from close friends who said he was "living like he is on another planet."
In the clip, Anderson said: "Just like you, search inside, find it for yourself, overcome the struggles, the tribulations, the pain that you are feeling. Because there is no story without struggle."
He continued: "Take it from me, I have struggled, and I struggle today, the same way you do, and we deal with it. If I can help you deal with your struggles, then let's do it together, let's make this the first of many conversations, because you can't do it on your own, you need help.
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"And I will say this one more thing to you, you can help others, in turn, it will help you. It's called service. So turn around my friend, look for somebody else who also is suffering, and hard as you may find it, help them, because you'll find it helps you more, believe it or not. Remember this, we are amazing. You are unbelievable."
Around the same time, friends have also shared worries for his health, and a local shopkeeper, who considered Anderson a friend, told MailOnline: "It's heartbreaking. He's a mess. But his erratic behaviour is causing real problems. He often seems dazed and not with it."
He claimed the actor had been arguing with locals and was struggling to walk. "He looks out of control. It's tragic," the friend said. But this wasn't the first time the star was looking unwell. In February last year, he took to Instagram to reassure his fans after he was pictured looking unrecognisable.
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A far cry from his sharp suited Arthur Shelby look, he was spotted shopping at a London bakery wearing a chunky cream fleece and a leopard print hoodie, looking pale and downbeat. In response to concern, he took to Instagram to explain his unrecognisable appearance.
"Back to business and back on set today! Thank you for all your love and concern to everybody. I was and have been absolutely flattened by the flu."