Diehard Peaky Blinders fans have one major concern about sequel series announcement

As Peaky Blinders fans rejoice at the news that the show is returning with a sequel, they are already worried about a potential gaping omission.

The hit BBC series from Steven Knight originally followed Tommy Shelby (played by Oscar-winning Cillian Murphy) and his family empire in the underbelly of Birmingham in the early 20th century across six seasons and an upcoming Netflix movie.

Now, we know the feature-length film is not the end, with Netflix and the BBC confirming the show will return for at least a two-season (six episodes each) sequel set in post-World War Two Birmingham.

Following the next generation of Shelby’s, the sequel kicks off in 1953. The synopsis continues: ‘After being heavily bombed in WWII, Birmingham is building a better future out of concrete and steel.

‘The race to own Birmingham’s massive reconstruction project becomes a brutal contest of mythical dimensions.

‘This is a city of unprecedented opportunity and danger: with the Shelby family right at its blood-soaked heart.’

Knight, who is also behind Netflix’s new series House of Guinness, promises fans they are in for a ‘hell of a ride’.

The announcement did not share any of the cast, only confirming that Cillian would be one of the executive producers on the project, meaning all is still to play for – especially since we don’t know how the film will pan out.

Given how essential Tommy is to the Peaky Blinders universe, and how beloved Cillian’s portrayal of the character is, fans are already panicking that he won’t be present in the new series.

‘If it doesn’t have Cillian then it’s worthless,’ one X user YMsabbag dramatically proclaimed.

‘If I don’t see Cillian in this…’ marjaumain shared.

‘Is Tommy in this or not? I’m tired,’ Blissxox wrote.

The feeling was echoed over on Reddit as well.

‘No doubt I’ll watch it, but it was Tommy (and Cillian’s portrayal) that ultimately kept me hooked, so we’ll see,’ Remarkable-Bus2326 said.

‘Don’t know what you’re happy about but they basically confirmed that Tommy Shelby either retires or dies in the movie,’ BouchWick theorised.

‘No doubt it will feel different if I am not seeing Thomas Shelby,’ lionpuzzleheaded534 agreed.

Although some people remain hopeful that the sequel will be good regardless, especially since the Oppenheimer star will have a role behind-the-scenes at least.

‘Executive producer Cillian Murphy sounds so beautiful to my ears,’ as raysofcillian said.

The Netflix movie, titled The Immortal Man, is yet to confirm an exact release date, but Cillian will reprise his role, as well as Barry Keoghan joining as a new character.

Knight has described it as an ‘explosive chapter’ with ‘no holds barred’.

Meanwhile, for those who are desperate to see the Irish actor, 49, in a new project sooner rather than later, you’re in luck.

His new movie, Steve, just landed on Netflix, which follows a headteacher at a reform college who must get through to his students while working through his own mental health struggles.

Metro’s film critic, Tori Brazier, wrote in her four star review: ‘There isn’t a weak link in Steve, from writing and acting to its tight execution by director Tim Mielants, who has drawn another faultless performance from Oppenheimer Oscar winner Murphy following Small Things Like These.

‘And while the storyline might follow familiar beats, the atmosphere is arrestingly authentic.’