Jasper Carrott: I first heard about Peaky Blinders in 1989

On the red carpet at the premiere for season four of the dark gangland drama, which returns to TV screens on November 15, the Brummie comedian said: “Steve Knight who wrote it is a very close friend.

“In fact I discovered him in 1989 believe it or not. Within the first couple of weeks he was telling me how he wanted to write this thing called Peaky Blinders, in 1989, it took him 25 years.

“Obviously I’m a fan, it’s all about Birmingham and it’s a great series.

“I did a trailer for Peaky Blinders and we did it at the Black Country Museum and obviously I know the Black Country Museum like I know the back of my hand.”

“It’s all Birmingham, it’s all great.”

The mastermind behind the show Knight said the museum in Tipton Road was ‘home’ to the show. He said: “It’s been very good, it’s fantastic, it’s our home.”

The star-studded event also saw Carrott, who donned a smart Blinders-esque blood-red leather overcoat complete with Tweed flat cap, claiming he discovered writer Steven Knight in 1989.

Fans at the premiere at Cineworld, in Broad Street, Birmingham, were treated to selfies and autographs from stars Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Helen McCrory and others – with the Shelby gang back in town fresh from filming at their ‘home’ The Black Country Museum.

Many flocked to the red carpet in their best Blinders get-up to welcome the stars – with Shelby style flat caps being dished out to the crowd and actors on horseback.

Helen McCrory, known for playing the matriarch Polly, praised her time filming at the museum. She said: “That’s been fantastic, I loved it.” Other celebrities at the premiere included lead singer of The Vamps, Brad Simpson, and actor and retired boxer Joe Egan. and Heart West Midlands host Ed James.

Speaking at the event, Brad Simpson, said: “We’re big fans, we’re on tour a lot so we don’t get to watch it as much - I know, terrible excuse.”

Fans were treated to a premier of episode one of the new season of the show - a high intensity and action packed opener which asked questions of its audience.

The Shelby family were pulled back together but under the most unfortunate of circumstances, with viewers left once again with an outstanding plot twist to mull over on its close.

At a Q&A after the screening of the first episode, audience members asked cast members about their favourite scenes to shoot.

Stars of the show took to paying tribute to The Black Country Museum - where filming for the new season had taken place.

Harry Kirton, who plays Finn Shelby, said: “Just for the record I think The Black Country Museum is my favourite place to film.

“It’s just nice, you’re not surrounded.”

Paul Anderson, who plays Arthur Shelby, said: “I don’t really have a favourite scene, I mean I love The Black Country Museum, it’s a great place to shoot.”

Writer Knight added ideas were already in the pipeline for Season 5 when Tommy Shelby would be making a visit to St Andrew’s on derby day, and that he was up for doing a Peaky Blinders film.

He said: “Why not, lets do it. It’s got its own life now, it’s got its own existence and a lot of people love it so why not do that.”