Peaky Blinders series 2: First images of Tom Hardy released

The period gangster drama is set to return to BBC Two in October

Tom Hardy stars with Cillian Murphy in Peaky Blinders II (BBC)

The first stills of Tom Hardy in period gangster drama Peaky Blinders II have been released, showing the English actor with a beard and trilby.

The 36-year-old stars as a charismatic leader and probable new nemesis for Cillian Murphy’s ruthless boss Tommy Shelby.

Hardy will be reunited with Locke writer and director Steven Knight for the six-part series, due to air on BBC Two in October.

The next run will see the Shelby family, who sew razor blades into the peak of their caps, battle to expand their empire as the roaring Twenties begin to roar.

Described by the BBC as “authentic, bloody and utterly compelling”, the epic saga is set in the crime-ridden slum neighbourhoods of post-war Birmingham.

Knight has hinted at a “more dangerous” series as the gang enter “areas of even greater jeopardy”.

Tom Hardy will play a charismatic leader in Peaky Blinders II (BBC)

New Peaky Blinders cast members include Charlotte Riley, who happens to be Hardy’s wife in reality, and Game of Thrones’ Noah Taylor.

The pictures were first released on the show’s official Facebook page last week, as well as in ShortList magazine.

Hardy has some big projects coming up for 2015, including Kray Twins biopic Legend in which he plays both Ronnie and Reggie, Mad Max: Fury Road and The Drop with Noomi Rapace and the late James Gandolfini.