Founder of Black Country based Peaky Blinder group wins Tommy Shelby lookalike competition at the Bullring in Birmingham
The founder of a Black Country based Peaky Blinders group is celebrating after winning the Bullring Tommy Shelby lookalike competition.
Suited and booted Tommy Shelby look-a-likes descended on Birmingham Bullring's shopping and leisure centre yesterday (Saturday) with Derek Brennan - the founder of the Black Country based Peaky Blinders Group - being crowned winner.
Derek was overjoyed at his victory as he was presented with a £500 shopping voucher.
The 66-year-old said: "I only entered the competition to make the numbers up so never expected to win. I had gone there to support young James from our group. I am still in shock."
Derek has dedicated his life to following the Peaky Blinders after seeing the first series over a decade ago. He founded the West Midlands Peaky Blinder Group which now has thousands of members on social media.
Dressing up in 1920s clothing most weekends, Derek marshalled his troops from the Station Hotel in Dudley town centre to the Bullring.
He told the Express & Star: "This show has brought so much joy to so many people. I have met so many new friends through Peaky Blinders. I love dressing up in all the classy clothes from that era and we have had some great fun at photo shoots across the area."
The Bullring Shopping Centre branded the lookalike event a massive success, a spokesman said: "By order of the Bullring, the Thomas Shelby Lookalike Competition was an absolute blinder!
"A huge thank you to all the incredible contestants who brought the grit, style, and swagger of Tommy Shelby to life Birmingham’s love for Peaky Blinders runs deep, and it was amazing to see the spirit of the Shelbys alive in the heart of our city."
