'Game of Thrones': Alfie Allen Doesn't Really Reek—He Promises

Theon Greyjoy/Reek played by Alfie Allen
Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy, aka Reek, in "Game of Thrones." He insists he smells nothing like his character on the show. HBO

Poor Alfie Allen. The Game of Thrones star could once proudly say he played Theon Greyjoy in the hit HBO show but after being rather unceremoniously renamed by twisted Ramsay Bolton, he is now simply known as "Reek."

This, of course, has led to numerous jokes about the actor's hygiene while going about his daily life. But he is here to assure you he does not, in fact, reek.

While in Australia promoting the show, Allen told CNET how Theon's slave name came about. For readers of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels, you'll be aware that once captured by Ramsay Bolton, he was given the same name as his poor, tortured predecessor. In the TV show, however, the name has much simpler roots—it's in reference to Theon's unwashed stench.

Having such an unflattering name isn't ideal, especially when fans struggle to differentiate you from your character. So how does Allen avoid cruel mockery in his everyday life? "Constantly now throughout my life I'm wearing deodorant so people don't think, 'Oh, is that how you get into the character?'" he tells the website.

Watch below:

When we last saw Theon/Reek he and Sansa Stark in Season 5, they had finally managed to escape Ramsay Bolton's grasp and were on the run.

Teasing what's to come in Season 6, Allen told GQ Australia: "I can tell you that there's going to be a lot more Greyjoy action going on. Pilou Asbæk, who plays my uncle, and Gemma Whelan, who plays my sister, steal the show. They're pretty amazing in it, both of them. I can't wait for people to see it."

Game of Thrones Season 6 launches on April 24 on HBO in the U.S. and April 25 on Sky Atlantic in the U.K.

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