Paul Anderson, best known for his role as the sharp-dressed and quick-witted criminal Arthur Shelby in Peaky Blinders , has faced a series of personal challenges away from the spotlight. Despite his character's popularity on one of the UK's most beloved TV shows, the actor's real life has been marred by health problems, alleged career hiccups, and legal issues. The 46 year old has raised concerns in recent years, with fans taken aback by images of him appearing dishevelled. Read more Close friends have expressed their fears about the father-of-one's "downward spiral" following legal troubles and reports that he had disappeared from his million-pound London residence. Anderson was recently charged with riding a motorbike without insurance near Lord's Cricket Ground last August, shortly after posting a picture of himself alongside an impressive BMW bike on Instagram. However, he failed to appear at the hearing for driving without insurance and was found guilty - despite claims that he is "untraceable". The actor was also unreachable when scheduled to meet with a social worker after pleading guilty to possessing crack cocaine in January of the previous year. The Sun reported in December 2023 that Anderson, whose Peaky Blinders character has had storylines involving drugs, was caught with crack cocaine on Boxing Day in Camden. He admitted to the possession of Class A drugs, alongside Class B amphetamines and two Class C controlled prescription medications. The actor faced magistrates and received a fine of £1,345, reports the Mirror . Despite an initial warrant for his arrest, authorities reportedly retracted it since Anderson had become untraceable. Still, Scotland Yard has confirmed that their investigations are active. Yet despite his status as "missing", he has recently granted an interview to a Scottish local paper where he dropped hints about a new series of Peaky Blinders ready to start filming this year and discussed his bond with boxer Tyson Fury. During the previous summer, the star openly talked about his challenges in an Instagram video, leading his mates to voice worry over his well-being, fearing he was caught in a "downward spiral", describing his state as "living like he is on another planet." In the said video, Anderson expressed: "Just like you, search inside, find it for yourself, overcome the struggles, the tribulations, the pain that you are feeling. Because there is no story without struggle." He added: "Take it from me, I have struggled, and I struggle today, the same way you do, and we deal with it. If I can help you deal with your struggles, then let's do it together, let's make this the first of many conversations, because you can't do it on your own, you need help. "And I will say this one more thing to you, you can help others, in turn, it will help you. It's called service. So turn around my friend, look for somebody else who also is suffering, and hard as you may find it, help them, because you'll find it helps you more, believe it or not. Remember this, we are amazing. You are unbelievable." Concurrently, friends have expressed concerns about his well-being, with a local shopkeeper who sees Anderson as a friend informing MailOnline: "It's heartbreaking. He's a mess. But his erratic behaviour is causing real problems. He often seems dazed and not with it." The source divulged that the actor had been in disputes with residents and was having trouble ambulating. "He looks out of control. It's tragic," said the concerned friend. This incident isn't the first sign of distress; back in February of the previous year, Anderson took to social media to address fan concerns after photos surfaced showing him scarcely recognisable. Far removed from his sophisticated Arthur Shelby persona, the actor was sighted at a London bakery donning an ample cream fleece combined with a leopard print hoodie, appearing pallid and dispirited. Addressing the public's worry, he declared on Instagram: "Back to business and back on set today! Thank you for all your love and concern to everybody. I was and have been absolutely flattened by the flu."