Peaky Blinders director Anthony Byrne has expressed his devastation at having to postpone filming for series six due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The creator of the hit BBC show, 44, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a lengthy post about how, after months of preparations and being so close to start production, shooting couldn’t begin due to COVID-19 outbreak.
Alongside the caption, Anthony shared a post of Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) drowning his sorrows with a glass of whiskey and a cigarette.
Upset: Peaky Blinders director Anthony Byrne has expressed his devastation at having to postpone filming for series six due to the coronavirus pandemic
He wrote: ‘We were so close to the start of filming Season 6. Months of hard work by our very talented, dedicated and hardworking crew.
‘Sets were built, costumes were made. Cameras and lenses tested. Locations were booked. All the prep was done. It’s a real shame not to be able to make it for you at this time.
‘But I personally want to thank the crew that I’ve spent months working with and I want to send my love and support to them and everyone else. We are in this together.’
Challenges: He wrote: ‘We were so close to the start of filming Season 6. Months of hard work by our very talented, dedicated and hardworking crew’ (Cillian and Anthony on set of series 5)
Devastated: The creator of the hit BBC show, 44, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a lengthy post about how shooting couldn’t begin due to COVID-19 outbreak
Anthony then went on to share a motivational message to his followers: ‘These are extraordinary times and we must be extraordinary in them.
‘Remember who we all are as a people and look out for those around you who will find these times challenging. Dig deep. It will pass.
‘Read that book that’s been staring at you for years. Write a poem, script, novel. Listen to music. Watch movies. Be creative. Make art. Share. Find the positive in all of this and use it. We will be better for it in the long run. Stay safe and healthy. Support the amazing people who are keeping the NHS going. Look after those around you and reach out to people.
‘Love & Respect to you all – A.’
Peaky Blinders, which shoots primarily in and around Liverpool and Leeds, announced on Monday that it was postponing production on series six over fears about coronavirus.
Posted on the programme’s Instagram account, a message read: ‘After much consideration, and in light of the developing situation concerning Covid-19, the start of production of Peaky Blinders series 6 has been postponed.’
‘Huge thanks to our incredible cast and crew, and to all our amazing fans for their continued support.’
Suspended: Another BBC hit, Peaky Blinders, which shoots primarily in and around Liverpool and Leeds, also announced Monday that it is postponing production
Both Peaky Blinders and Line Of Duty were thought to be returning to screens later in 2020.
Production on major Hollywood movies has also been affected with Deadline reporting on Sunday that Warner Bros has decided not to commence with filming for the anticipated third Fantastic Beasts film, an offshoot of the mega money-making Harry Potter franchise.
Filming on the David Yates directed film, based on the work of JK Rowling, was due to start in London on Monday, with a planned release date of November 12 2021.
Planning: Byrne previously shared a photo of the crew on a location scout day for series six in early March
On Friday it was reported the studio has temporarily suspended production of The Batman – the reboot which stars Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne.
‘Warner Bros. Pictures feature production of The Batman will be on a two-week hiatus starting today. The studio will continue to monitor the situation closely,’ the company said in a statement, reported Deadline.
Production of the movie began in London in January, but was about to move locations to Liverpool, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Jurassic World: Dominion – the third film in the new series had been shooting in London since February, but has been shut down as part of Universal’s mass shutterings, with its June 2021 release date possibly in doubt.
Halted: Production on major Hollywood movies has also been affected with Deadline reporting that Warner Bros has decided not to commence with filming for the third Fantastic Beasts film
The entertainment industry has been thrown into chaos as coronavirus (COVID-19) worsens across the UK.
Cultural events around the country have been cancelled because of the virus, which has infected 1,372 and killed 35 in the UK at time of publication, amid warnings large public gathering could help the virus thrive and spread.
London’s West End has been left empty over cancelled bookings, musicians have postponed gigs and even Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary festival in June hangs in the balance.
Shut down: Jurassic World: Dominion – the third film in the new series had been shooting in London since February, but has been shut down as part of Universal’s mass shuttering