PEAKY Blinders star Karl Shiels "died in his sleep" aged 47 after "repeatedly falling asleep during filming".

The Irish actor, who starred as Ryan in the 2013 series, died on Sunday.

Sources said he died in his sleep after nodding off on the Irish soap Fair City during shoots.

The actor had also reportedly been seen on crutches and "in a lot of pain" shortly before his death.

But a friend told the MailOnline: "No one offered to help him or ask what was wrong. They just talked about him behind his back."

PROLIFIC CAREER

The Dublin-born actor worked on internationally-acclaimed television shows and films including Batman Begins, Veronica Guerin, Intermission, The Clinic, and Capital Letters for which he was nominated for an IFTA for Best Actor in 2004.

Shiels took on smaller roles in prominent films and TV shows.

He starred as as Arkham Thug #3 in Batman Begins and as Packington's killer in the 2009 series of The Tudor.

The TV star started out as electrician but changed direction in the early 90s and studied at the Gaiety School of Acting.

He became a regular on the Irish soap in 2014 and went on to become one of the prominent characters.

Shiels last appeared on TV last night in the popular show.

It is unclear how the actor died.

'REMARKABLE'

Tributes are already flooding in to a "remarkable" actor who was "loved by all".

Comedian and fellow Fair City actor who played Cathal Spillane, Eric Lalor said: "Absolutely stunned and heartbroken to hear of the death of Karl Shiels.

"A hugely gifted actor and a really great friend, I will miss him so much. Thinking of his gorgeous family, may he Rest In Peace."

Director of Copper Face Jacks: The Musical has said that Karl will be "sorely missed".

He said: "Shocking news to hear that Karl Shiels has passed away. He was a big supporter of @HelixPanto. Irish Theatre will sorely miss him."

His agent Lisa Richard confirmed that Shiels had passed away yesterday.

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She said in a statement: "Karl was a uniquely talented individual, simultaneously intense, lighthearted, funny, sharp witted, outspoken and intensely powerful as an actor, director and artistic director of the Theatre Upstairs – where he was such a support and mentor for young writers, actors and directors – and of his own company Semper Fi before that.

"Karl was a remarkable force in Irish theatre and hugely loved and respected by all who worked with him.

"Our hearts are broken but today our thoughts are with his partner Laura and his family, his children and their mother Dearbhla and his many close friends among whom we count ourselves lucky to have been for so many years."

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