Why Did Joe Cole Quit Peaky Blinders? What Happened To John ...

Joe Cole played John Shelby in Peaky Blinders (Image: GETTY)

Peaky Blinders: BBC release series five bonus scene

Joe Cole starred as John Michael Shelby in Peaky Blinders from 2013 until 2017. The actor is the brother of actor Finn Cole, who plays his cousin Michael in the series. Sadly, Cole decided to leave the crime-drama in 2017 after three seasons and has spoken out about his reasons for doing so.

Why did Joe Cole quit Peaky Blinders?

Before Peaky Blinders, Joe Cole was best known for starring in Skins as Luke.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Other previous credits include The Hour, The Thick of It and Injustice.

In 2017, Peaky Blinders fans were left devastated after season four, when John was shot dead in the second episode.

Speaking to Digital Spy, Cole explained he left the show to pursue other acting projects.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

He said: “I was just busy doing other projects.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

“I wouldn't have been able to do Black Mirror, I've got a bunch of films that I'm trying to do.

“I thought it was my time to go, give other people an opportunity for their parts to grow. I thought it was the right time to pass the baton on.“

WILL OSWALD MOSLEY RETURN?

Joe Cole played John Shelby in Peaky Blinders (Image: GETTY)

Speaking separately to the Metro, Cole added: “‘I wanted variety, I want to challenge myself. I want to surprise people and it just came in hand-and-hand with that season and that fatality.”

Cole is also known for playing Frank in the Black Mirror season four episode Hang the DJ.

For the role, he earned himself a BAFTA-nomination for Best Actor.

Cole also is well recognised for playing Charlie in the Channel 4 comedy-drama series Pure.

Since leaving Peaky Blinders, the 30-year-old actor has participated in numerous projects.

He even won the Best Actor at the 2018 British Independent Film Awards for his role as Billy More in Prayer Before Dawn.

Cole also starred in the films Eye on Juliet, Woodshock and Happy New Year Colin Burstead.

WHO BETRAYED TOMMY SHELBY?

• Peaky Blinders: Who sings the Peaky Blinders song Red Right Hand?
• Peaky Blinders streaming: How to watch every episode of Peaky Blinders

Joe Cole left Peaky Blinders in season 4 (Image: GETTY)

He also appeared in the 2017 film Thank You For Your Service alongside Miles Teller, Haley Bennett, Amy Schumer and Scott Haze.

Speaking about Cole’s choice to move on to other projects, his brother Finn told Express.co.uk: “It’s a shame it’s the first season without my elder brother, so to be back for the first time… I had to do it on my own this time.

“But as they say we’ve had this team for a long time so we’re very supportive of each other so it’s a very comfortable family and very exciting.

“Not only was he a fantastic character and great actor, but it’s nice to have a mate on set.

“Your brother to kind of enjoy the bits off-camera too, so it was fantastic.”

WHEN IS PEAKY BLINDERS SEASON 6 OUT?

Review, gossip and upcoming show releases plus selected offers and competition Subscribe Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

John Shelby was killed in season 4 of Peaky Blinders (Image: GETTY)

Joe Cole was nominated for BAFTA for Black Mirror (Image: GETTY)

What happened to John Shelby?

John was the second youngest of the four Shelby brothers, who lost his wife during the first world war.

He was left to bring up his four children, which he struggled with.

John then married Esme (played by Aimee-Ffion Edwards), to keep the Lee family and the Shelby’s from being enemies. They ended up having two children together, meaning John was a father to six children.

John Shelby was killed off at the beginning of season four when the Shelby brothers tried to flee the Changretta brothers.

After receiving the Black Hand Christmas card from the Changretta Family, John did not react as fast as his brothers hope

He also missed a phone call from Tommy (Cillian Murphy) at night, where he planned to tell his brother to leave his countryside home and bring him and his entire family to Small Heath.

Michael (Finn Cole) went to retrieve this brother but as John answered the door, they were ambushed by the Changretta brothers, resulting in both of them being shot in the chest.

While Michael makes a miraculous recovery, John was not so lucky, losing his life.

Speaking to the Independent about John’s exit, he said: “I think it was perfect for John to go in that way, to die fighting. He's fundamentally a soldier who fought in the First World War, his whole life was battle and I think it was the correct way to end his journey.”

Peaky Blinders is streaming on BBC iPlayer now

Peaky Blinders BBC Netflix Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Comments Most Read Most Commented 'Frightening' moment ‘sweating’ Donald Trump deteriorates live on TV Stranger Things creators The Duffer Brothers' lives from famous ex to net worths Heated Rivalry's plot and release date as controversial series comes to UK All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special 'nightmare' as cast member speaks out Meghan and Harry dealt huge blow on TV over 'real reason' for royal Christmas snub Nina Warhurst shares emotional tribute as she prepares for first Christmas without dad Netflix adds period drama called 'the best love story ever made' Nicola Coughlan unveils first look at new Bridgerton star as fans gush 'so beautiful' GB News 'switch off' over tense Rachel Reeves row as 'naive' presenter sparks fury Heartbreaking Emmerdale Christmas exits including sad farewell watched by millions GMB abruptly halted for urgent breaking news announcement after major attack Judi Dench fights back tears as she opens up about late husband The Hunting Wives ITVX release date, cast, filming locations and episode count Lorraine Kelly defiantly vows 'we're still here' as ITV cuts loom Strictly’s George Clarke breaks silence after final with seven heartbreaking words Keir Starmer loudly booed during Royal Variety Performance sketch Razor Ruddock reveals terrifying paranormal incident on BBC’s Escape to the Country Countryfile's Matt Baker says 'hits you in the heart' over emotional show moment OPINION Telling sign BBC is cancelling Strictly Come Dancing for once and for all Beyond Paradise star opens up on couple being torn apart after character returns Moment Donald Trump's savaged on Saturday Night Live over Epstein files Moment Sky News hosts drops f-bomb live on air addressing David Walliams claims Strictly Come Dancing suffers fresh bombshell as finale figures revealed BBC shares first look at new prison drama Waiting For The Out Kelvin Fletcher and wife Liz share 'huge' update as they announce 'we're back' Call the Midwife star shares sweet family tradition linked to colleague Trump sparks fresh health fears during TV appearance 'It will continue to worsen' Strictly star Tess Daly's heartbreaking goodbye message in unseen video I was told Tess and Claudia's Strictly 'replacement' – I had one word reaction Rachel Reeves torn to shreds on GB News after another bombshell for Chancellor Latest videos Martin Lewis issues settles debate on using air fryer instead of oven at Christmas State Pension warning as older Brits slapped with £800 HMRC bill Moment Sainsbury's Christmas shopper chucked out of store after chaotic scrap Royal interrupts radio show to share special message 'Absolutely brilliant' Netflix horror movie that is too much for some viewers

Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated

Keep me updated No thanks