Man of HONOUR

David Neilson – alias Corrie legend Roy Cropper – on Roy’s role in the moving hate-crime plot playing out on the Street

- ALISON SLADE

CORONATION STREET

HOLIDAY MON, TUE, THU, FRI / ITV / 9PM / SOAP

The brutal attack on Corrie’s Seb and Nina has had a huge impact on viewers; shining a much-needed light on hate crime, while also showcasing the remarkable talent of the cast, young and not so young.

The story was planned two years ago, with the character of Nina brought in specifically as the linchpin. And though it has often been an uncomfortable watch, it has also included some truly touching moments, particularly between Nina and her uncle, Roy Cropper.

‘We wanted this story to hinge on someone who was connected to Roy,’ reveals Corrie producer Iain MacLeod. ‘In his relationship with Hayley, he was exposed to a lot of prejudice and intolerance, and it felt like he had the right level of life experience to be Nina’s guide.’

We caught up with Corrie legend David Neilson, 72, to talk about the latest chapter of Roy’s colourful life...

Roy has taken a lot of young people under his wing. What has it meant for him having a family member to care for?

Roy took Nina in through duty, really. He tends to operate out of a moral code, which if he didn’t have, he’d fall apart or go mad. He doesn’t always want to do what he does, and he was shunted into a situation whereby he inherited Nina.

Sitting by her bed, thinking about life and the possibility of her not being there, he felt a tremendous sense of loss, and there was more to their relationship than duty. He’s now moving on to a real relationship of being a father, really, and has to find a way of doing it.

How have you found working with Mollie Gallagher, who plays Nina?