Peaky Blinders season 3: New photos released of Tommy Shelby's wedding day

The identity of the bride is being kept a secret until the first episode airs on 5 May

Tommy Shelby's bride walks down the aisle to be married - but is it Grace, May or another woman altogether? (BBC)

Excitement for Peaky Blinders series three has reached fever pitch, with just over a week to go until Nick Cave’s “Red Right Hand” welcomes in the first new episode.

Luckily, the bods at the BBC have sensed our growing impatience and shared a bunch of first look photos, showing Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby waiting at the alter for his mystery bride. Will it be Grace Burgess, whom he loves and is pregnant with his child; May Carlton, another strong-willed beauty who promised Tommy tempting business benefits; or another woman entirely? The secret is being kept tightly under wraps, but these new photos promise sumptuous scenes of celebration, gorgeous 1920s costumes and heart-pounding drama by the bucket-load.

Fans will have to wait a little longer for further glimpses of newcomer Paddy Considine as Father Hughes, “the representative of a force beyond anything Tommy has previously encountered”, while Tom Hardy is yet to make a reappearance as Camden Town gang leader Alfie Solomons.

Helen McCrory returns as Aunt Polly Gray with a potential love interest, Ruben Oliver (Alexander Siddig) in her sights, while the Russians make life difficult for Tommy when he most needs the Peaky Blinders on their best behaviour.

Power and family look set to be key themes this series. The BBC has already hinted that fans will see Tommy pulled into the “glamourous and dangerous world of international intrigue”, threatening his family and organisation while “forcing him to question everything about his own ambitions and desires”.

Our lips are sealed on what else the first episode has in store, but expect plenty more intrigue, bloodshed, achingly cool music and maybe even a sneak peek at Tommy Shelby’s bottom.

See you on the sofa, it’s going to be sensational.

Peaky Blinders returns to BBC Two on Thursday 5 May