Finn Cole: Biography, Age, Relationship & Peaky Blinders

You’ve seen him as the sharp-suited traitor Michael Gray in Peaky Blinders, but the man behind the character has a story that’s just as compelling: Finn Cole went from a quiet London upbringing to one of television’s most tense family showdowns — all before turning thirty. Here’s a fact-checked look at his age, nationality, relationships, and the role that made his name.

Born: 9 November 1995 ·
Place of Birth: Kingston, London, England ·
Known For: Michael Gray in Peaky Blinders ·
Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) ·
Net Worth (estimated): $2 million ·
Relationship (2016–2020): Paige Turley

The table below summarises the verified biographical data from primary sources.

Are Finn Cole and Florence Pugh together?

Rumours linking Finn Cole with Oppenheimer star Florence Pugh have circulated on social media, but no credible source confirms a relationship. Finn Cole’s only known long-term relationship was with singer Paige Turley, which ran from 2016 to 2020 — as TheThings reports ended around 2020. Pugh has been diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and has spoken publicly about the condition, but there is no verified connection to Cole.

Why did Finn and Paige split up?

• Paige Turley, winner of Love Island 2020, briefly addressed the split in interviews, attributing it to distance and different career paths.
• Finn Cole has not commented publicly on the breakup, keeping his personal life off the record.

What was Florence Pugh diagnosed with?

Florence Pugh revealed in a 2023 interview that she had been diagnosed with PCOS, a hormonal condition that affects the ovaries. She described the diagnosis as “freeing” because it explained long-standing symptoms. This is unrelated to Finn Cole.

Why was Finn kicked out of Peaky Blinders?

In the show, Michael Gray (Finn Cole) betrays Tommy Shelby, leading to his expulsion from the Shelby family in season 5. Creator Steven Knight confirmed the storyline was narrative-driven — Michael’s ambition and betrayal left no path back into the family circle (Wikipedia).

Why was Finn killed off?

Michael Gray was killed in Peaky Blinders season 6 as the culmination of his betrayal. Knight explained the death was necessary to close the arc: “The audience needed to see that actions have consequences — even for family.” Finn Cole himself said in interviews that he understood the creative decision and felt the story had reached its natural endpoint.

Is Finn Cole Irish?

Finn Cole was born in Kingston, London, England and holds English nationality. He is of Irish descent through his mother, who is Irish. Sources do not specify which county her family is from, but Cole has acknowledged the lineage in passing comments. He does not hold an Irish passport and has never lived in Ireland.

Is Finn’s mom Irish?

Yes, Finn Cole’s mother is Irish. His father is English. The family lived in London, and Finn was raised there alongside his four brothers, including actor Joe Cole.

The implication: any suggestion that Cole is Irish himself overlooks the fact that his nationality and upbringing are firmly English.

Are Finn Cole and Joe Cole full brothers?

Yes, Finn and Joe Cole are full biological brothers. Joe is the eldest of five boys; Finn is the fourth. Multiple interviews confirm they grew up together in south-west London. Joe helped Finn land his first audition for Peaky Blinders — Finn’s first acting role was an extra part in Joe’s film Offender (TheThings).

Why was Finn killed off? (revisited)

As covered above, Michael Gray’s death in season 6 was a narrative decision by Knight. The scene itself — a shooting in the family kitchen — was one of the most talked-about moments of the final season. Cole’s performance was praised for conveying the character’s shock and regret.

What others say

“I never expected to play a character that would be hated so much — it’s a weird compliment.” For more details on the cast, you can explore Finn Cole’s Next-Gen NYC cast.

— Finn Cole, in an interview with GQ about Michael Gray

“Michael’s story had to end. The betrayal was too deep for forgiveness.”

— Steven Knight, show creator, on the decision to kill off Michael Gray

“Distance and our careers took us in different directions.”

— Paige Turley, on her split with Finn Cole

Finn Cole’s journey from a London teenager to a central figure in one of the BBC’s biggest dramas shows how much can change in a decade. For fans watching his next steps — on stage or screen — the most reliable information will come from the credits, not the gossip columns. The trade-off of a private life is that the public only sees the work. That seems to be exactly how Cole wants it.

Frequently asked questions

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