A touching on-set tribute to Helen McCrory has been shared by the production team behind Peaky Blinders.
The actress, who played the Shelby family matriarch Polly Gray in the hit BBC period crime drama, passed away last week at the age of 52 following a battle with cancer.
In a post made on the TV show's official Instagram account on Monday, April 19, the show's director Anthony Byrne uploaded a picture from the shooting of the upcoming sixth season, featuring a clapperboard with McCrory's image on it.
In a caption, Byrne wrote: "Today was beautiful and strange and sad and surreal. We found ourselves in the most beautiful environment.
"The sun beating down on us and it felt ok. It was incredible but not surprising to read the many tributes and articles dedicated to Helen over the weekend.
"This is our A camera board and Polly Gray is always in front of our cameras. This board was designed by @lo_marie_s a super talented tattoo artist in Manchester.
"It has meant a huge amount to me and the crew on Peaky to have an image of Helen on set with us every day. Thanks to @francesca.caterina for marking up the clapper board like that."
A number of McCrory's other castmates have also shared their tributes to the late actress in social media posts of their own.
For instance, Cillian Murphy penned the following heartwrenching tribute to his late co-star: "I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend. Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being.
"She was also a gifted actor — fearless and magnificent. She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played.
"It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years. I will dearly miss my pal. My love and thoughts are with Damian and her family."
Sophie Rundle, who plays Polly's niece Ada in the critically acclaimed show, wrote: "God she was so f***ng cool though. It is entirely senseless and brutal to lose Helen, she was an extraordinary and remarkable person.
"Quite shockingly talented. What a privilege to have worked with her these past years, I can’t overstate how much I admired her.
"My thoughts are with her family and loved ones. Our Pol. What a heavy loss. We will miss her so dearly."
Finn Cole, who plays McCrory's on-screen in the hit show, later wrote on Instagram: "Mother, wife, and an all round amazing role model.
"A force of nature whose advice I’ll carry forever. From day 1 on Peaky I felt blessed, and I will always aspire to be as awesome as Helen McCrory. Thank you mum. Rest easy x [sic]."
Joe Cole also shared a touching tribute to McCrory, writing: "They don’t make many like this one, let me tell you. I feel incredibly lucky to have known and been inspired by her.
"Thank you for all the laughs and the memories, Helen. You were an incredible talent and one in a million. My love and thoughts go out to Helen’s family and those closest to her. RIP Helen McCory."
Kate Phillips, who plays Linda Shelby in the show, also shared a photo of McCrory on the platform, which she captioned simply: "Helen"
Meanwhile, actress Annabelle Wallis, who plays Grace Shelby in the hit show, also wrote on Instagram:
"The most powerful life force. The most ferocious and commanding actress. I learned so much watching you work, watching you light up the room with your intelligence and wit.
She added: "Your laughter infectious. Thank you for the whiskey fulled rehearsals late into the night. Thank you for showing me that it’s okay to not take s**t. You will be deeply missed.
"My heart goes out to Damien, your children, and the entire family."
McCrory's husband, Homeland star Damien Lewis, confirmed the news of her death in a statement on Twitter on Friday, April 16, writing in part:
"Fearlessly. God, we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you."
