The Examiner couldn't wait so we've already watched episode one of series three of Peaky Blinders, and we're delighted to say it was on top form.

It's a delightful mix of humour and thrills and at points we were literally perched on the edge of our seats.

It's certainly on a par as the last episode of the second series, which we saw nearly 18 months ago.

We’ve waited far too long for the Birmingham-set BBC2 drama to return, but we're nearly there now.

We can tell you more details about the first episode nearer the time, and our colleagues at the Birmingham Mail are being treated to a showing at a red carpet premiere today.

Until then, here are five things to look forward to in the first episode - which is screened at 9pm on Thursday May 5 on BBC2 - to whet your appetite.

Tommy’s wedding

It’s already been revealed that Tommy Shelby gets married in the first episode, but to who?

That’s the burning question that fans want to know the answer to.

And we don’t have to wait long to find out, as the episode opens with Tommy standing at the altar, and the bride is unveiled four minutes in. We could tell you who, but then we’d have to kill you – by order of the Peaky Blinders.

The wedding itself is both moving and hilarious, especially best man Arthur’s speech.

READ MORE: Huddersfield twins debut in BBC2 drama Peaky Blinders

READ MORE: Episodes of series one of Peaky Blinders were filmed in Armitage Bridge

The story has moved on by two years

That means some characters are no longer relevant while new people have joined the cast.

They include Kate Phillips, who was Jane Seymour in Wolf Hall and now plays Linda, the new wife of Arthur.

Paddy Considine has also joined to play a priest but doesn’t appear in the first episode.

Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Esme Shelby), Joe Cole (John Shelby), Sophie Rundle (Ada Shelby), Harry Kirton (Finn Shelby), Cillian Murphy (Tommy Shelby), Helen McCrory as Polly Gray, Finn Cole (Michael Gray), Paul Anderson (Arthur Shelby) and Kate Phillips (Linda Shelby) in Peaky Blinders, series three

Tommy’s gone up in the world

Tommy’s illegal betting activities means he now has lots of money.

He’s left Small Heath far behind (although he still visits) and is now living in a huge mansion, with large grounds, a library and portraits on the walls. It was filmed at Arley House in Cheshire.

And he’s even started a charity to give back to the poor of Birmingham.

There are Russians involved

Tommy is mixed up in illicit business with a group of Russians, which could be highly dangerous. In the first episode he has an interesting encounter with Grand Duchess Tatiana.

Polly is a great flirt

Watch Polly chat up men in style – and in nice frocks, now she’s rich. It's nice to think she might get a love life, but she is still living with the consequences of having killed a man.