Peaky Blinders season 4 trailer drops and sees Tommy Shelby and co. back in Birmingham

Fourth season of the critically acclaimed drama sees the Shelbys return to Birmingham

Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders season 4 (BBC)

The first trailer for Peaky Blinders season 4 has dropped and made us more excited than ever for the return of the hit BBC drama.

Many critics - and fans - felt that series 3 drifted away from what made the show truly special; season 4 looks set to appease them with a return to form.

It takes place six months after the conclusion of season 3 and sees Tommy Shelby receive a mysterious letter on Christmas Eve which warns him that the Peaky Blinders are in "danger of annihilation".

The first trailer is a montage of the Shelby family, and glimpse of a new threat - portrayed by Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody.

Star Cillian Murphy, who plays Tommy Shelby, told radio station Today FM in Ireland: "In the classic gangster arc, the last season was sort of all about the wealth, the house and all that material stuff.

"This season is a sort of a return tot he roots. That's about as much as I can reveal."

Season 4 will also feature some serious Hollywood heavyweights. Brody, star of The Pianist and King Kong, has been cast alongside Game of Thrones actor Aidan Gillan. It will also see the return of Tom Hardy as Jewish gangster Alfie Solomons.

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight said: "Adrien plays the threat to the family and possbly the biggest they'll face.

"Aidan is a sort of, in the fact of danger it's like pressing the nuclear button - you get him to help. Let me put it that way.

"We have been very fortunate to get two really legendary actors. We get a lot of actors who want to be a part of Peaky Blinders which is great but we try not to make it a 'spot the star' sentiment, and just get actors who are really perfect for the role."

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He added somewhat cryptically: "Tommy's redemption might take a little bit longer. It's the family being forced back together."

Peaky Blinders is set to air this autumn - an official release date has yet to be announced.

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