Peaky Blinders fans had to do a double take last week when one familiar character returned to the series looking rather different.
Viewers were both overjoyed and confused when the 'best horseman in England' Curly (Ian Peck) reappeared in episode five of the final season, after he'd been missing from the BBC drama as of late.
Watch the scene here:
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Although Peaky fans were delighted to see sweet Curly once more, many were shocked by his transformation and some were even convinced that he had been recast.
After spotting Curly in on the docks with Tommy, viewers took to Twitter to discuss his new look.
One wrote: "#PeakyBlinders OMG I almost couldn’t recognise Curly!"
A second tweeted: "that aint curly who tf is that 😭".
"Hold on…. Curly looks different 🤔 #PeakyBlinders," added a third, while a fourth fan simply commented: "That isn’t curly.. #peakyblinders".
One viewer even asked: "Sorry did they change the actor that plays curly? #PeakyBlinders".
In fact, according to the programme's credits, Ian Peck did return to season five to play Curly - he has simply lost some weight since fans last laid eyes on him.
Either way, BBC viewers were over the moon when they saw the beloved character back, celebrating his return on social media.
"Curly is truly iconic #PeakyBlinders i love him lol" wrote one Curly fan.
A second added: "oh curly 😭😭😭😭😭 #PeakyBlinders"
And a third gushed: "Nah sorry curly is the love of my life I would die for that man #Peakyblinders".
The drama series officially wrapped up this weekend, with the final episode airing Sunday, leaving fans to wonder how they were going to fill up their Sunday evenings from now on.
There was a lot of speculation as to how the Brummie drama would conclude after six seasons, but Peaky lovers were delighted with series creator Steven Knight as he wrapped up the programme perfectly.
All episodes of Peaky Blinders are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Topics: TV And Film, Peaky Blinders, BBC
Ali Condon