Benjamin Zephaniah dies aged 65 after brain tumour diagnosis: Poet and Peaky Blinders star passes away after eight-week health battle as family pay tribute to ‘true pioneer who gave the world so much’

British poet and writer Benjamin Zefanja has died at the age of 65, his family has announced.

The much-loved speaker and Peaky Blinders star died in the early hours of the morning, eight weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

In a statement shared on his social media, his family said: 'It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the death of our beloved husband, son and brother in the early hours this morning.

“Benjamin's wife was by his side the entire time and was with him when he passed away. We shared it with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news.

Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator. He has given the world so much.

Through an incredible career spanning a vast body of poetry, literature, music television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy.”

British poet and writer Benjamin Zefanja has died at the age of 65, his family has announced

In a statement shared on his social media, his family paid tribute to his legacy

Benjamin was born and raised in Birmingham, which he called the 'Jamaican capital of Europe'.

He became deeply involved with a workers' cooperative in Stratford in the 1980s and began publishing protest poems that focused on topics such as academia and the British legal system.

During the 1990s, the performance poet had made several appearances on British TV shows, including The Bill, but his most famous role would come when he was cast in the BBC's Peaky Blinders in 2013.

Benjamin played the role of Jeremiah in Cillian Murphy's street gang epic, often serving as the moral heart of the lawless group, earning him critical acclaim.

More to follow…