Aleks Shirovs

Name: Aleks Shirovs
First Appeared: 24th January 2014
Last Appeared: 16th April 2015
Played by: Kristian Kiehling

Aleks Shirovs burst onto the scene as Walford’s new market inspector, determined to whip the place into shape. With his strict adherence to rules, he quickly put Tamwar Masood on probation, warning him to shape up or ship out. But Aleks had a secret plan up his sleeve – merging the street markets. Of course, Tamwar’s sister, Shabnam, couldn’t keep her mouth shut, and soon the market traders, led by Ian Beale and Linda Carter, were up in arms. Amidst all this chaos, Aleks found himself sharing a flat with Jake Stone, which was just the beginning of his rollercoaster ride in Albert Square.

Aleks’ love life was no less dramatic. He started dating Roxy Mitchell, under orders from her sister, Ronnie. When Ronnie tried to call it off, Aleks was not having it. One thing led to another, and he ended up rescuing Roxy, which naturally led to a steamy encounter that left Ronnie fuming. But the drama didn’t stop there. Struggling to pay the rent, Aleks advertised for a new flatmate, and in walked Fiona “Tosh” Mackintosh, who shocked him by being in a relationship with Tina Carter. Just when things seemed to settle, Roxy discovered Ronnie had paid Aleks to date her, leading to a heated argument. Yet, love prevailed, and they stayed together.

Family matters soon complicated Aleks’ life further. His young daughter, Ineta, reached out to him via video chat, asking when he’d come home. Alfie Moon, ever the nosy neighbour, got suspicious and, with Tamwar’s help, hacked into Aleks’ laptop, discovering he was still in contact with his wife. When Roxy confronted Aleks, he admitted he was married but separated. Roxy, torn between love and betrayal, threw him out but couldn’t stay away for long. Aleks’ commitment was tested when his wife Marta and daughter Ineta arrived from Latvia. Despite a brief fling with Marta, Aleks chose Roxy, only for Marta to reveal the truth to Roxy, leading to another breakup and reconciliation.

Aleks’ professional life was equally tumultuous. Tamwar, ever the sleuth, discovered Aleks had been skimming money from the market traders. When confronted, Aleks fired Tamwar and tried to cover his tracks. But Tamwar had already alerted the authorities. As the police closed in, Marta arrived to take Ineta back, but Roxy, realizing she couldn’t break up a family, let Aleks go. In a dramatic farewell, Roxy returned her engagement ring, kissed Aleks goodbye, and watched as he left Walford with Marta and Ineta, just before the police could catch him.