Helen McCrory (second from left in photo) who was married to actor Damien Lews, was known for starring alongside Murphy as the formidable Polly Gray in the hit BBC One series which began in 2013. She also had roles in the Harry Potter films and the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall.
Speaking to Variety, Cillian Murphy spoke about filiming the final season while contending with the pandemic and doing McCrory's legacy and memory justice.
"I think this is the culmination of the series that hopefully improves upon the last season and makes the most recent one the richest and deepest one that we possibly can, partially because of all of the pandemic s*** happening in the world and, of course, the really sad loss of (Helen) McCrory", Murphy said.
He continued, "I think we are determined to make this a special series and we have been extra committed to working hard. I think the fans will be pleased".
"I think the whole series is really in tribute to her and to honour her", Murphy added. "Her presence and her character's presence are very much still felt in the series, and it is very much part of Tommy's journey in the season".
"It'll be different without her, you know. It simply won't be the same. I've spoken about how phenomenal she was as an actress and as a person and it is an enormous loss to the whole acting community and not just for our show".
"My thoughts are always with Damian and her kids. I just hope that the show will live up to her memory and our memory of her".
A broadcast date for the final season of Peaky Blinders has yet to be announced.
