Corrie Legend David Neilson Reveals Roy Cropper’s Anorak Secrets in Special Luv2meetU Q&A

Coronation Street favourite David Neilson has revealed the surprising secret behind Roy Cropper’s famous beige anorak — he has a whole collection of them in different sizes to match the character’s mood.

David, who has played the much-loved Roy’s Rolls café owner for more than three decades, shared the wardrobe revelation during a special question-and-answer session with learning disabled adults who are members of learning disability charity Hft’s Luv2meetU social group.

The 77-year-old actor explained that, after Roy’s original anorak finally fell apart, he joined the soap’s wardrobe team on a shopping trip to find replacements.

He said: “The original anorak fell apart, so the wardrobe team and I went out and bought a load of them in different sizes.

“Depending on what mood Roy is in and whether he needs to look more droopy or not, that decides what size I wear. I’ve got enough of them to last me for the rest of my Coronation Street career.”

David was invited to meet the group by member and lifelong Corrie fan Jon, who knew the actor through his late brother Jimmy.

Jimmy and Jon lived in the same supported accommodation in Somerset. Although Jimmy sadly died eight years ago, David and Jon have remained in touch.

For Jon’s 30th birthday, David also invited him on a special tour of the Coronation Street set, where he visited Roy’s Rolls and even pulled a pint behind the bar of the legendary Rovers Return.

Jon, who has ambitions to become an actor himself, said: “I love Coronation Street, so this was the best birthday treat ever.”

During the online Q&A, members asked David about his favourite co-stars, forthcoming storylines and his life before joining the soap.

David told the group how he had worked as a gas fitter and plumber before training as an actor and initially joining Coronation Street for what was intended to be only a handful of episodes.

He said: “I didn’t want to be a plumber, so I managed to get a place at drama school.

“I got the part of Roy because my friend had written a few episodes for Coronation Street and thought I’d be a good fit for the character.”

The event gave Luv2meetU members the opportunity to speak directly to one of the programme’s best-known stars, share their own interests and ask the questions that mattered to them.