A PEAKY Blinders legend has addressed the real reason for his unrecognisable appearance after sparking concern among fans.
The screen star, 46, took to his Instagram page to clarify the situation after images emerged showing him looking downbeat.
Earlier this month we reported how actor Paul Anderson didn't look himself as he stepped out in London.
The Arthur Shelby star looked worlds away from his suited and booted character as he shopped in a bakery wearing a chunky cream fleece and leopard print hoodie.
He appeared sad and had a pale complexion - and now the screen star has taken to Instagram to clarify.
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Alongside a selfie showing him ready for filming he wrote: "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."
Fans will no doubt be reassured by his explanation after he broke his silence.
Paul appears back on track after he pleaded guilty to crack cocaine and amphetamines possession after a boozy Boxing Day session in London.
He was fined £1,345 last month after appearing at Highbury Corner magistrates court.
Cops told how they were called out to a pub at around 6.30pm on December 26.
The actor, who features alongside Cillian Murphy in popular BBC drama Peaky Blinders, admitted to possessing the Class A drug, as well as class B amphetamines and two class C prescription substances.
A spokesperson from the Met Police said: "Police were called at about 18:30hrs on 26 December 2023 to West End Lane in Camden.
"Officers attended and arrested a man.
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"Paul Anderson, 48, of West Hampstead, was later charged with two counts of possession of Class A drugs and two counts of possession of Class C drugs.
"He appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 25 January."
Anderson, who also appeared alongside Tom Hardy in the Kray twins biopic Legend, was fined £1,345.
