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5 Most-Hated Peaky Blinders Characters Who Frankly Don't Deserve It

5 Most-Hated Peaky Blinders Characters Who Frankly Don't Deserve It
Image credit: BBC

For a show full of despicable characters, it’s a bit disturbing that fans mostly hated the women in it.

It's been a year and a half since the last episode of Peaky Blinders aired, but fans still fondly remember the show. Centered around the Shelby family and their illicit activities, the criminal drama featured many fascinating characters to admire.

However, there were also some that fans found hard to stomach. It is important to note that this hatred wasn't always deserved – especially when it came to many female characters.

Here are just five Peaky Blinders ladies who deserved more love from fans than they got.

Esme Shelby

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The wife of one of the youngest Shelbys, Esme remained a significant figure even after her husband exited the show in season 4. However, viewers never liked her, seeing her, originally a member of the Lee family, as an alien in the Peaky Blinders gang. In reality, Esme was a nice character who spoke out against the main characters' illicit business and deserves much more recognition than she got from fans.

Linda Shelby

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Portrayed as the main antagonist throughout the show, Arthur's wife's only fault was that she wanted to help her husband quit his destructive habits and lifestyle. While she did cause friction between the Shelby brothers, her only intention was for Arthur to see Thomas for who he truly was – a dangerous fugitive. In other words, Linda should have gotten a lot more fan appreciation than she did for her benevolent efforts.

Polly Gray

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The aunt of the Shelby brothers and the treasurer of the Peaky Blinders, Polly was often perceived by fans as manipulative and shady. However, she always had the best interests of her nephews and their family business at heart. Still, fans never seemed to like her.

Lizzie Stark

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Originally a prostitute, Thomas's second wife was disliked by fans who resented her interference in his business and attempts to reform him. In truth, Lizzie had a free spirit and only wanted to lead a happy and peaceful life with her family – hence her conflict with Tommy's business.

Grace Shelby

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Tommy's first wife, Grace, was portrayed as the love of his life. At the same time, she served as an anchor that kept the main character mired in his past, even after her assassination. That is not a valid reason for fan hatred, though. Grace was a strong-willed woman who knew what she wanted from life and went after it. She deserves much more respect than fans ever gave her.