The fifth series of the Bafta-winning drama Peaky Blinders introduces a new antagonist: Oswald Mosley, the Labour MP who later founded the British Union of Fascists. Creator Steven Knight says the decision to feature Mosley was driven by the resonance of his story with contemporary politics. 'In 1929 the most eye-catching storyline, and the one that felt the most resonant to now, was the rise of fascism and the growth of populism and racism in politics across Europe,' he explains.
Mosley, known for his sharp style and personal magnetism, is portrayed by Sam Claflin. Knight notes the challenge of depicting a charismatic figure whose policies were horribly attractive to many. 'I wanted audiences to remember that he wasn’t somebody spouting things that people didn’t want to hear but rather someone who people did listen to. That’s what was so terrifying about him,' Knight says.
Claflin prepared by watching footage of Mosley addressing supporters. 'You can see from watching the footage that’s out there of him that he was both incredibly charismatic and incredibly manipulative,' he says. 'It’s easy to see how and why people fell for it without agreeing with anything he says. It’s the same as the Trump situation. People wanted change.'
The series draws parallels between Mosley and lead character Tommy Shelby, who becomes a Labour MP. Knight explores how an amoral person like Shelby responds when confronted by fascist ideology. Director Anthony Byrne describes populist politics as 'spreading like a virus, and it seems as though there’s no cure for it.'
Knight hopes viewers remember that history judged Mosley, and will judge those offering simplistic solutions to complex problems. Peaky Blinders returns on BBC One on 25 August at 9pm.
