Corrie legend David Neilson reveals Roy Cropper’s anorak secrets in Q&A with Luv2meetU

Luv2meetU member Jon has been friends with the actor for years – and invited him for a chat with the group

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 Hft’s Luv2meetU online 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, 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 met 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 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.”

Jon shared his pictures of the day on the cobbles with friends on the L2MU Show and Tell session but wanted to give his friends in the group – also huge Corrie fans – a memorable moment of their own with the actor.

So he got in touch with David and asked him whether he would do a question and answer session with the group.

“At first he thought I was trying to get him to go on a game show,” laughed Jon.

“But he quickly said yes when I explained what the group was about.”

Those who attend L2MU sessions, prepared for the celebrity Q&A, deciding questions and making sure their Roy’s Rolls and Freshco branded jumpers were ready to wear.

The event gave 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.

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

Katie asked if David missed working with his on screen wife Hayley – Julie Hesmondhalgh.

“I see Julie a lot,” David told Katie.

“She will always be special to me. When they cast Julie in the role I didn’t know then it would work so well.

“She initially only came in for a few months, but her and Roy worked so well together, she stayed.”

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.”

David also showed the group his TV awards and chatted with Jason, who asked whether he liked driving Roy’s Morris Minor.

“When I first learnt to drive I had a Morris Minor,” said David. “It’s like driving a sewing machine. I wouldn’t want to go far in it.”

Hft’s online Luv2MeetU group was launched during the Covid pandemic to help learning disabled adults stay connected, socialise and reduce isolation during lockdown. It has continued because of the friendships and sense of community it created.

The wider Luv2MeetU programme supports learning disabled adults to develop friendships, build confidence and make new connections through social activities and practical support.

Groups currently operate in Cheshire, North Wales, Merseyside, Bradford and Bristol, alongside the virtual programme. Members take part in activities ranging from coffee mornings, shopping trips and days out to life-skills sessions and support to access opportunities in their local communities.

Hft supports more than 2,800 learning disabled adults across England and Wales, helping people to live with greater choice, independence and dignity.