Lily Allen and her brother: What really happened between Alfie and the pop star

Sibling dynamics are weird. One day you’re fighting over the TV remote, and the next, your sister is writing a chart-topping pop song about how you’re a jobless stoner who needs to "use your brain."

For most people, family drama stays in the living room. For Lily Allen and her brother, Alfie, it became a matter of international public record.

If you were online in 2006, you couldn’t escape the song "Alfie." It was catchy, cheeky, and—if we’re being honest—totally savage. At the time, Lily was the "it-girl" of British pop, and Alfie was just... her little brother who stayed in his room playing video games. Fast forward to 2026, and the tables haven’t just turned; they’ve been completely redesigned.

The song that started it all

Back in 2006, Lily Allen released her debut album, Alright, Still. Tucked away at the end of the tracklist was a song titled "Alfie."

The lyrics didn’t hold back. She sang about him smoking weed at 3:30 in the afternoon, wasting his life away, and being unable to get a job. She even complained about him being a "t***" and pulling her hair. It was peak sibling pettiness set to a cheery, sample-heavy beat.

Lily later told Pitchfork that she thought the song was "flattering" and a way of showing she cared. Alfie? He wasn’t exactly thrilled at first. Imagine trying to find your footing in the world while your sister tells millions of people you’re a lazy "pothead."

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Alfie told The Guardian years later that he’d actually been in Canada teaching kids how to snowboard when the song came out. He found it entertaining but did ask for it not to be released as a single. The record label, predictably, did not care.

From "Lazy Brother" to Theon Greyjoy

While the song painted a picture of a guy with zero ambition, Alfie Allen was actually busy putting in the work.

In 2011, he landed the role of Theon Greyjoy in HBO's Game of Thrones. It wasn't just a "job"—it was one of the most complex, grueling, and physically demanding roles in television history. He went from being "Lily's brother" to being one of the most respected actors in a global phenomenon.

He didn't just stop there.

• Emmy Nomination: In 2019, he earned a nod for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
• Tony Nomination: In 2022, he took on Broadway in Hangmen, proving his range wasn't limited to the screen.
• John Wick: He played the villain we all loved to hate (the guy who killed the dog—yeah, that was him).

Lily’s reaction to his Emmy nomination was pure big-sister energy. She posted on Instagram: "My baby f------ brother is nominated for an Emmy... I am so f------ proud of him."

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The Game of Thrones incest controversy

There’s a weird rumor that refuses to die regarding Lily Allen and her brother and a potential cameo in Game of Thrones.

During a 2014 Reddit AMA, Lily claimed she was offered the role of Yara Greyjoy, Theon’s sister. She said she turned it down because the script required Theon to "touch her up" while they were on a horse (a scene that did happen with actress Gemma Whelan).

"Once they told me what was entailed, I said no thanks," Lily wrote.

But here’s the kicker: Alfie straight-up denied it. He told Vulture that Gemma Whelan was always the first choice and Lily’s story wasn’t true. It’s one of those classic "he-said, she-said" family moments, just played out in front of a global audience.

Where they stand in 2026

So, are they cool now?

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Honestly, they seem closer than ever. The "Alfie" song is now more of a funny historical footnote than a genuine insult. They’ve both navigated the meat grinder of British tabloid culture and come out the other side.

Lily has moved to New York, married Stranger Things star David Harbour, and shifted her focus toward acting and her podcast. Alfie is a father now (his daughter Arrow was born in 2018) and continues to pick prestige projects like the 2025 thriller Atomic.

They grew up in a chaotic, creative household—their dad is actor Keith Allen and their mom is producer Alison Owen—so they know better than anyone how to handle the spotlight.

Why this sibling bond matters

The story of Lily Allen and her brother is a reminder that people aren't static. The "lazy" kid in the bedroom can become a world-class actor. The "mean" sister can become his biggest cheerleader.

If you’re looking for a takeaway from their relationship, it’s probably this:

• Public perception isn't reality. The song "Alfie" was a snapshot of a moment, not a life sentence.
• Success is the best response. Alfie didn't release a "diss track" back; he just became an Emmy-nominated actor.
• Family evolves. Sibling rivalry is real, but it often matures into genuine mutual respect once everyone finds their own lane.

If you want to keep up with what they're doing now, check out Lily's podcast Miss Me? or look for Alfie’s upcoming lead roles in British TV dramas. They’ve both moved far beyond the "Alright, Still" era, and honestly, they're both better for it.

Next Step: Take a look at Alfie's performance in the final seasons of Game of Thrones—the nuance he brings to Theon's redemption arc is a masterclass in acting that makes that 2006 song feel like it was written about a completely different person.