Grace Burgess is far more than just a character in *Peaky Blinders* — she’s a force that reshapes the entire Shelby family. From her first appearance as the mysterious barmaid at the Garrison Pub, Grace brings a mix of charm, intelligence, and quiet danger that draws viewers in. She starts off as a subtle presence, but ends up being one of the most pivotal figures in the show’s emotional and narrative arc. For fans who’ve followed the rise and fall of Tommy Shelby, Grace’s story is one that still echoes long after her final scene.

She’s often remembered for her romance with Tommy, but that’s only part of the picture. Grace’s role in the series goes deeper than just being a love interest — she’s a complex woman caught between duty and desire, deception and truth. Played by Annabelle Wallis, the character quickly became a fan favorite, despite her time on the show being all too short. If you're curious about who Grace Burgess really was and why she mattered so much to the story, you're in the right place.

Whether you’re rewatching the series or just getting into *Peaky Blinders*, there’s a lot to unpack about Grace’s journey. Let’s walk through the highs and lows of one of the most compelling characters in modern TV history.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Grace Burgess
• Personal Details & Bio Data
• Her Role in *Peaky Blinders*
• Character Evolution: From Grace Burgess to Grace Shelby
• Impact on Tommy Shelby
• Grace Burgess’ Decision to Join the Shelbys
• Her Tragic End
• Why Grace Was the Hardest Role to Cast
• FAQ

Biography of Grace Burgess

Grace Helen Shelby, born Grace Burgess, was an Irish woman who started out as a barmaid at the Garrison Pub. But beneath her calm exterior, she was an undercover police officer working for the Birmingham police. Her assignment? To infiltrate the Shelby family and gather intel on their criminal activities. She was smart, resourceful, and able to blend into the world of *Peaky Blinders* with ease.

From the moment she met Tommy Shelby, there was a spark — one that would change both of their lives forever. Though her initial intentions were rooted in deception, Grace found herself drawn into the Shelby family in a way she hadn’t expected. She fell in love with Tommy, and eventually became a part of the family herself. But that choice came at a great cost.

Personal Details & Bio Data

Her Role in *Peaky Blinders*

When Grace first steps into the Shelby world, she’s there with a mission. She’s supposed to be gathering intel, not getting emotionally involved. But Tommy is no ordinary man, and the Shelbys are no ordinary family. Her role quickly shifts from observer to participant. She becomes more than just a spy — she becomes a player in the game.

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Grace’s presence adds a new layer of emotional tension to the series. She’s one of the few characters who truly sees Tommy for who he is — not just the leader of the Peaky Blinders, but the man behind the mask. In many ways, she’s the emotional anchor he didn’t know he needed.

Still, her dual identity creates a constant sense of danger. Every moment she spends with the Shelbys is a risk. And yet, she keeps going deeper, making choices that blur the line between duty and love.

Character Evolution: From Grace Burgess to Grace Shelby

Grace’s journey is one of transformation. She starts as Grace Burgess, an outsider with secrets. By the end of Season 2, she’s Grace Shelby, a married woman who’s fully committed to the family she once tried to take down.

This shift isn’t just about a name change — it’s about identity. She moves from deception to truth, from working against the Shelbys to standing by them. It’s a bold move, and one that doesn’t come without consequences.

Her evolution is also marked by motherhood. When she becomes pregnant, it’s a turning point. Suddenly, her life isn’t just about survival or loyalty — it’s about protecting her child. That’s when things start to get really complicated.

Impact on Tommy Shelby

Grace changes Tommy in ways no other character does. Before her, he’s calculating, cold, and always in control. But with Grace, he lets his guard down. He shows vulnerability, something he rarely allows himself to do.

She teaches him how to love, but also how to hurt. Her death hits him harder than anything else in the series. It’s the moment everything starts to fall apart for Tommy. Without Grace, the man he becomes is darker, more broken.

Even after she’s gone, her influence lingers. Her memory becomes a driving force in Tommy’s actions. He’s not just fighting for power anymore — he’s fighting for the life they never got to have.

Grace Burgess’ Decision to Join the Shelbys

Joining the Shelbys was a risky move. Grace knew what she was doing could get her killed — or worse, that she could be exposed. But she also felt something real with Tommy and the family. So, she made the call to switch sides.

Her decision was driven by more than just love. It was about finding a place where she felt she belonged. The Shelbys weren’t perfect, but they were loyal. And for someone like Grace, who had spent her life hiding behind a mask, that kind of honesty was rare.

Her Tragic End

Grace’s death is one of the most heartbreaking moments in *Peaky Blinders*. It’s sudden, it’s shocking, and it leaves a void that’s never really filled. The scene where she’s shot is brutal, and it marks a turning point for the series.

Her death doesn’t just change Tommy — it changes the entire tone of the show. After that moment, the world of the Shelbys becomes more dangerous, more unpredictable. Grace was a symbol of hope, and once she’s gone, that hope is gone too.

Still, her legacy lives on. Her son, Finn Shelby, is a reminder of the life she and Tommy tried to build. And her story continues to resonate with fans, who still talk about her impact years after her final episode.

Why Grace Was the Hardest Role to Cast

It might surprise some fans to learn that Grace was one of the hardest roles to cast. The casting director for *Peaky Blinders* has said that finding the right actress for Grace was a challenge. She needed to be strong, but also vulnerable. Charismatic, but not over the top. Able to hold her own against Cillian Murphy and the rest of the cast.

Annabelle Wallis nailed the role, but that doesn’t mean it was easy. Grace had to be believable as both a barmaid and a secret agent. She had to be charming enough to capture Tommy’s heart, but also complex enough to carry emotional weight. It’s a tough balance, and Wallis pulled it off beautifully.

The role of Grace wasn’t just about looks or talent — it was about finding someone who could embody the contradictions of the character. And in the end, that’s exactly what happened.

FAQ

Was Grace Burgess really an undercover cop?

Yes, Grace was originally working undercover for the Birmingham police. She was assigned to infiltrate the Shelby family, but eventually fell in love with Tommy and switched sides.

What happened to Grace Shelby’s baby?

Grace gave birth to a son named Finn Shelby. After her death, Tommy becomes Finn’s guardian, raising him as part of the Shelby family.

Why was Grace Burgess killed off in *Peaky Blinders*?

Grace’s death was a pivotal moment in the show. It was designed to push Tommy into a darker place, marking the beginning of his emotional unraveling. Her death also raised the stakes for the Shelby family, making the world of the show more dangerous and unpredictable.

Learn more about Peaky Blinders characters on our site.

Want to dive deeper into the world of *Peaky Blinders*? Explore Tommy Shelby’s journey here.

For more details on Annabelle Wallis’s other roles, check out her IMDb page.