Upon arriving at Symphony Hall, Murphy walked around Centenary Square to the delight of fans and paid tribute to the viewers who helped make Peaky Blinders a global hit.

“I’m filled with gratitude. First and foremost, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the fans who make the show what it is,” he said.

“It started out as a little show on BBC Two on Sunday nights, but then slowly and gradually it became this global phenomenon thanks to the fans.

“So I’m very grateful.”

Murphy paid tribute to Knight, adding, “To be able to write at that level over such a period of time, you know, to meet a writer at such a pinnacle is an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime event.”