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Peaky Blinders icon shares health struggles after cruel appearance accusations

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Paul Anderson is beloved by fans for playing the eldest of the Peaky Blinders brothers (Image: BBC/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd./Robert Viglasky)
Paul Anderson is beloved by fans for playing the eldest of the Peaky Blinders brothers (Image: BBC/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd./Robert Viglasky)

Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson has bit back at stabs that he is looking 'dishevelled and exhausted' as he outlined why he's been struggling lately.

The actor - best known for playing Arthur Shelby Jr. in the hit BBC series - was photographed looking far from his best last week and it led to more concerns for his health. He admitted possession of crack cocaine after police were called to Camden, north London on December 26. Last month, he accepted liability and accepted he had the class A drug, class B amphetamines and two class C prescription substances on his possession.

He was recently snapped leaving a bakery near his home in north London looking gaunt and almost unrecognisable, leaving his fans worried. But the star has now taken to social media to put the critics right. Back to work and looking smart in trendy glasses, the star posted on Instagram to outline why he's not been himself this month.

Uploading a selfie in the back on a car, 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." His appearance would have given his followers a lift after he went quiet on the platform.

Peaky Blinders icon shares health struggles after cruel appearance accusations eiqrridtziqxzprwHe's taken to social media to set the record straight after drawing criticism (@boyceyboycey/Instagram)
Peaky Blinders icon shares health struggles after cruel appearance accusationsThe TV star is battling to save his reputation after pleading guilty to possession of crack cocaine (BBC/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd./Robert Viglasky)

The 46-year-old is fighting to save his reputation after being fined for possession of drugs, including crack cocaine, after being found with that and other substances on Boxing Day. His actions could have a "significant impact" on his future with any Peaky Blinders projects, according to sources. His lawyer said he was sometimes known to slip into character to please fans who recognise him.

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It was reported that police had found Anderson with a young man and a 17-month-old baby. They took the TV star to a nearby police station, where they found crack cocaine and a wrap of brown powder - later found to be amphetamines - plus diazepam and pregabalin.

During an interview, he answered "no comment" but tested positive for opiates and cocaine, but not crack cocaine, the court heard. Anderson's defence lawyer claimed he couldn't resist acting like his gangster character who fans will know takes drugs on the BBC show.

In mitigation, his lawyer reportedly told the court: “You will recognise the defendant from a very intense part that he has played in a recent television programme. He is often recognised and does his best to please fans of the show by slipping into character. He was recognised that Boxing Day and tried to play up for these people. And because of the lifestyle he leads people often give him inducements.”

Sam Elliott-Gibbs

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