25 May 2024 , 10:46
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Paul Anderson has been spotted looking dishevelled, wandering the streets, just months before he's due to start shooting the much-hyped Peaky Blinders film.
The actor, 46, who plays Arthur Shelby in the BBC series, is getting ready to film the eagerly-awaited flick in the West Midlands in September. However, when shots of the star emerged this week in which he was spotted near his £1.2million mews home in north London, appearing gaunt, without a top on, his friends are concerned he's on a 'downward spiral'.
Expressing their concern for the actor, who has a legion of loyal fans thanks to his portrayal as the brother of Birmingham gangland leader Tommy, played by Cillian Murphy, a shopkeeper, who considers himself a pal of Paul, said: "It's heartbreaking. He's a mess. But his erratic behaviour is causing real problems. He often seems dazed and not with it. He's had arguments with people locally. He walks around making a lot of noise.
Paul Anderson, who plays Arthur Shelby, is due to start filming for Peaky Blinders in September (Lee McLean/SWNS)
He reassured fans he was ok in February (@boyceyboycey/Instagram)'We are all very worried. He had a big argument in Tesco a few weeks ago.He is living like he is on another planet. He's been in public topless. He struggles to walk," reports the Mail, which has published the recent photos of Paul.
The friend added: "It's a great concern. He looks out of control. It's tragic." Another said: "He has been slowly looking worse over the months. He really stands out in the area. It's awful."
I was banned from entering a pub for a ridiculous reason - I'm furious
In February, Paul hit out at claims he looked worse for wear when he was papped leaving a bakery near his home. Social media users were quick to make comments on his appearance, but the actor told fans that he was ill at the time.
It came weeks after the star pleaded guilty to charges after he was found to have the Class A drug, crack cocaine, Class B amphetamines and two Class C prescription substances in his possession. He told fans while on set of the new American Civil War drama series The Gray House: "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 #nofilter," as he was seen posing in the back of a car while taking a selfie.
He added: “I also want to take time to thank each and every one of you all over the world for all the messages of love and support, I see you and appreciate it humbly and sincerely. Always remember nobody cares about the truth when the lie is way more entertaining than the truth. I am back don’t you worry about that.”
The forthcoming Peaky Blinders movie - being filmed in the West Midlands – is due to start shooting in September. The series' creator, Steven Knight, told Birmingham World that Oppenheimer star, Cillian Murphy, was set to reprise his role as Thomas Shelby, sending the show's fans into a frenzy.
The Mirror has contacted Paul's reps for comment on this story.