THE DIARY
HTHIS adorable Timperley schoolboy has helped to show the softer side of Peaky Blinders gangster Tommy Shelby in the hit BBC show.
The gangster drama returned to BBC Two on Wednesday night with lead character Tommy, played by Cillian Murphy, now with his young son Charlie at his side.
Charlie is played by six-year-old Jensen Clarke and fans of the show have praised the strong bond between the two actors on the screen.
Jensen’s family couldn’t be more proud of his prime-time role - particular as mum Melanie Clarke is originally from Birmingham, where the show is famously set. And Jensen’s older brother Reuben ALSO stars in the new fourth series of Peaky Blinders, and will be seen later in the series. Proud mum Melanie says: “It has been just the best experience, everyone on the set of Peaky Blinders has been brilliant with Jensen - especially Cillian. “Cillian was just incredible giving Jensen high fives and chatting away. You would think they were a real father and son the way they were together, so much so that people on social media wondered if it was his real son in the preview clip! “They’re so great together, he is the warmest person you could ever meet.” Mum Melanie and dad Jamie. from Timperley, took it in turns to chaperone their sons on the set, which filmed around the north west including at Rochdale Town Hall, Arley Hall and at Granada Studios. They have explained to their boys about the historical nature of the drama - while protecting them from the darker elements of the lives of the gangster family in 1920s Birmingham. Melanie says: “They don’t have any violence in the scenes with the boys, they were really strict on set to make sure it was the right environment for the children.
“We’ve explained to them about filming going back in time, and that they wouldn’t see the latest motor cars and technology that you’re used to, and that the men are in big gangs, but they’re great family men too.
“We have let them watch little bits but not the violent scenes. They’re really excited as they’ve seen what a big following the show has got worldwide.”
Mum Melanie has been taking Jensen and Reuben to the TV Talent drama club which holds acting classes around Manchester since they were aged three to help them develop their confidence.
But she has been surprised and delighted with how well they have both been doing at the club, run by No Offence actress Saira Choudhry.
Melanie said: “Jensen used to be quite shy and quiet but his confidence has grown since going to the acting classes. He’s not arrogant or over confident, but he just loves to be in front of the camera we are so incredibly proud of him.”
And what did Jensen like the most about starring in Peaky Blinders? He says: “Dressing up and getting into character and doing the part with Cillian.”
He adds: “I wasn’t nervous, I really loved it.”
Jensen says he’d love to pursue acting when he grows up.
“I would love to do another series of Peaky Blinders, or Star Wars,” he says.