Peaky Blinders star Paul Anderson admits he’s ‘struggling today’ and details ‘pain’ after friends expressed concern that troubled actor is on ‘downward spiral’

Paul Anderson opened up about dealing with his struggles on Thursday night as he took to social media to open up about his pain.

The Peaky Blinders star, 46, recently sparked concern from friends after they raised concerns that the troubled star appeared to be on a ‘downward spiral’.

And now the actor has admitted his struggles as he encouraged his followers to reach out to each other and overcome their problems together.

In a thoughtful Instagram clip, he confessed that he had been having a hard time that day as he began, “Just like you, look within. Find it yourself, overcome the struggles, the trials, the pain you feel.

‘Because there is no story without struggle. Take it from me. I have struggled and I struggle today, just like you do.”

The Peaky Blinders star, 46, recently sparked concern among friends after they reported the troubled star appeared to be on a ‘downward spiral’ (pictured in May)

He called on his fans to help each other and continued: ‘And we deal with it. If I can help you deal with your struggles, let’s do this together. Let’s make this the first of many conversations, because you can’t do it alone. You need help.

“I’ll say this to you one more thing. You can help others and in turn it will help you. That’s called service.

“So turn around, my friend, find someone else who is also suffering, and no matter how hard you find it, help him. You’ll find it helps you more, believe it or not.’

He concluded, “Remember this. We are awesome. You’re incredible.’

Paul also shared a candid message earlier this week as he discussed how throughout his successful career he was “insecure” and didn’t “believe” in himself.

The popular actor, best known for his role as hard-living gangster Arthur Shelby Jr in the BBC drama, said in the clip: ‘Dissatisfaction with one’s talent is the fundamental quality of a true artist. That is a statement by a writer named Chekhov.

“So if you’re doubting yourself, welcome to the club, because I can’t act. And every time I do, I wait for a tap on the shoulder that says, “Sorry kid, you’re in the wrong game, go home.”

It comes after Paul teased he will appear in the new Peaky Blinders film, which starts filming in September, after sharing a photo of the script on social media.

The actor has admitted his struggles as he encouraged his followers to reach out to each other and overcome their problems together

He continued: ‘And we’re going to work on it. If I can help you deal with your struggles, let’s do this together. Let’s make this the first of many conversations, because you can’t do it alone. You need help’

It comes after Paul teased he will appear in the new Peaky Blinders film, which starts filming in September, after sharing a photo of the script on social media.

He posted it with the defiant caption: ‘Just when I thought I was gone…’ – a famous quote from Michael Corleone from the Godfather series, when he realizes he can’t escape his life as a mafia boss.

However, last month friends told MailOnline they were concerned he might not be ready when filming for the film begins in September.

Paul’s wrinkled appearance and emaciated body worries fans who say he is a shadow of his formidable, sharp-suited character Arthur Shelby, brother of Birmingham gangland leader Tommy.

It comes just months after he was caught with crack cocaine after a day at the pub. He was also found to be in possession of amphetamines, diazepam and pregabalin.

A local shopkeeper, who counts Paul as a friend, said: ‘It’s heartbreaking. He’s a mess. But his erratic behavior causes real problems. He often seems dazed and unresponsive.

‘He had an argument with people at the scene. He walks around and makes a lot of noise.

‘We are all very concerned. He had a big row at Tesco a few weeks ago.

‘He lives like he’s on another planet. He has been topless in public. He’s having trouble walking.’

The friend added: “It’s a big concern. He looks out of control. It’s tragic.’

However, last month friends told MailOnline they were concerned he might not be ready when filming on the film starts in September (pictured with Cillian Murphy who plays Tommy Shelby in the series)

He would play a central role in any Peaky Blinders film if he were involved, but his drug conviction in January and allegations of bad behavior on set could jeopardize his participation.

Another said: ‘He’s slowly looking worse over the months. It really stands out in the environment. It’s terrible.’

Photos taken in February set off alarm bells among fans and fellow actors.

Another local resident believes his condition has since worsened.

They said, ‘It’s a real downward spiral. In recent weeks he has become increasingly worse.’

In January, it emerged that Paul was arrested after a drinker in his neighborhood in Hampstead told the pub manager that there was a smell of drug fumes coming from the disabled toilet after the actor walked out on Boxing Day.

The actor had a crack pipe with him, but denied using it.

He would play a central role in any Peaky Blinders film if he were involved, but his drug conviction in January and allegations of bad behavior on set could jeopardize his participation.

But despite his vulnerability, there are signs he has not given up hope of reprising the role that made his name, with the actor responding to support from his Instagram followers.

One commented on a post: ‘Commissioned by The Peaky Blinders’, to which Anderson replied: ‘Forever’.