Gangs of London breaks record for Sky as star Joe Cole talks Peaky Blinders differences

Crime drama series Gangs of London has broken a massive record for Sky.

The violent gangster show from The Raid's Gareth Evans has become the most-binged series of the year for the TV giant.

Sky announced that more then 1 million homes had binged the whole series within its first fortnight of release.

Additionally, the series premiere became the most-watched launch of a show since the hit historical mini-series Chernobyl.

For its first episode, 2.23 million people tuned in on Sky Atlantic to see the bloody antics - even if some did eventually turn off due to the brutal scenes.

The series has also been downloaded over 16 million times so far - and rising!

Joe Cole and Michelle Fairley star in Gangs of London (PA)

Sky Studios chief Cameron Roach said in a statement: "We are delighted by the response to Gangs of London and to have brought Gareth Evans' unique cinematic vision to the small screen for the first time.

"This epic saga, with family at its heart and visceral action-packed fight sequences has taken audiences on an immersive journey into the underbelly of London's modern-day criminal underworld,.

"The record-breaking results are testament to Sky's ongoing commitment to innovation and championing the very best of bold, British drama."

Some viewers were forced to turn off Gangs of London due to its violent scenes (©Sky UK Limited.)

Series star and former Peaky Blinders actor Joe Cole has also admitted that he joined Gangs of London due to its ensemble focus, which he says is different to his old gangster show.

He revealed to Metro: "With Peaky Blinders I never really got out of the gates in that role. It’s [ Cillian Murphy's ] show really."

Cole played John Shelby for the first four series of Peaky Blinders until his character was brutally killed in a shoot-out in the series four premiere.

Gangs of London star Joe Cole says it's different to Peaky Blinders (Sky)

He added of his new role: "For me it’s really an opportunity to show what I can do and for the rest of the cast, what they can do."

A second run of the Sky gangster series has yet to be confirmed but fans will no doubt be chomping at the bit for the prospect of new episodes.

Gangs of London is available now on Sky and NOW TV.

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