S2
E2
E2
Episode 2
Alfie Solomons is introduced in a memorable first meeting with Tommy at his Camden Town bakery.
Alfie Solomons
89
Character Arc
Alfie Solomons is the unpredictable, philosophical, and dangerously intelligent leader of the Jewish gang in Camden Town. Running a "bakery" that serves as a front for a distillery, Alfie operates in the murky space between ally and adversary to Tommy Shelby, making him one of the most electrifying recurring characters in television.
Tom Hardy's portrayal of Alfie is a masterclass in controlled chaos. Every scene crackles with tension as Alfie shifts between rambling monologues about bread-making and sudden, terrifying acts of violence. His unpredictability makes him both a valuable ally and a constant threat — you never know which side of Alfie you will get.
Alfie's complex relationship with Tommy Shelby is one of the show's great dynamics. They share a grudging mutual respect born of recognizing a kindred spirit — both are strategic geniuses who will betray anyone if the price is right, yet both adhere to their own peculiar codes of honor. Alfie's Jewish faith and his protective instincts toward his community add depth to a character who could easily have been a simple antagonist.
His apparent death at Margate beach in Season 4 and subsequent return in Season 5 became one of the show's most celebrated twists. Alfie, now battling skin cancer, remains as formidable and quotable as ever, proving that some characters are simply too compelling to kill off.
Key Episodes
S2
E6
E6
Episode 6
Alfie betrays Tommy at the Epsom Derby, revealing his alliance with Sabini, then negotiates his way out of consequences.
S4
E6
E6
Episode 6
Tommy confronts Alfie at Margate beach over his betrayal. Alfie is shot but survives, revealing his cancer diagnosis.
S5
E5
E5
Episode 5
Alfie returns from the dead, scarred but alive, and offers Tommy crucial intelligence about Oswald Mosley.
Fan Ecosystem
Videos & Content
Alfie Solomons - Every Scene is a Masterpiece
Tommy Shelby vs Alfie Solomons - Margate Beach
Tom Hardy Behind the Scenes as Alfie
Fan Heat Index Breakdown
Engagement
91
Social Activity
86
Meme Velocity
93
Fan Art Density
84
Fandom Longevity
88
Memorable Quotes
"Big f***ing rocks, mate."
— Alfie Solomons, Season 3 - various
"I am what I am, mate. And what I am is... a very different thing to you."
— Alfie Solomons, Season 2 - various
"Shalom, mate."
— Alfie Solomons, Season 2, Episode 5 - upon meeting Tommy
Trivia & Fun Facts
- Tom Hardy improvised significant portions of Alfie's dialogue, often surprising the other actors with unexpected lines.
- Alfie Solomons was based on a real Jewish gangster named Alfred Solomon who operated in London in the 1920s.
- Tom Hardy requested minimal makeup or prosthetics, preferring to create Alfie's distinctive appearance through posture and mannerisms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tom Hardy plays Alfie Solomons in Peaky Blinders. Hardy's scene-stealing performance became a fan favorite, with many considering his scenes with Cillian Murphy to be the show's highlights.
Alfie is shot by Tommy at Margate beach in the Season 4 finale, but he survives and returns in Season 5 with severe facial scarring. He reveals he has been battling skin cancer, which motivated his earlier betrayal.
Alfie Solomons is loosely inspired by real-life Jewish gangster Alfred Solomon, who operated in London's underworld during the 1920s and was involved in the racecourse gangs of the era.
Alfie has many memorable quotes, but among the most famous are "Big f***ing deal" and "I once carried out my own form of stigmata on an Italian." His rambling, philosophical monologues are a hallmark of Tom Hardy's improvisation-heavy performance.