Why is Roy Cropper in prison? Reason why David Neilson’s Coronation Street character is behind bars
The kindly cafe owner is facing life in jail
CORONATION Street fans were left shocked when Roy Cropper was banged up in jail.
Here we take a look at why the much-loved character has found himself on the wrong side of the law.
Who is Roy Cropper in Coronation Street?
Much-loved character Roy Cropper joined Coronation Street in July 1995.
He is the owner of the Roy’s Rolls cafe, which is where the residents of Weatherfield like to get a cup of tea and a bacon buttie.
Actor David Neilson got the part of Roy on the recommendation of Corrie writer Stephen Mallatratt.
The pair were already close friends and the actor helped to “mould the character” of Roy.
According to David, Roy was initially only brought in for six episodes but the role was extended and the part was made into a regular character.
Why is Roy Cropper in prison?
Roy is in prison awaiting trial for the murder of Lauren Bolton, who went missing in early 2024.
The cafe owner found himself as prime suspect after innocently cleaning the missing woman’s flat.
He was then arrested and charged for her supposed murder.
Police said they had enough evidence to convict Roy of Lauren’s killing after blood and human tissue traces were found at her flat, along with a weapon.
This left detectives convinced she had been killed, and Roy is the murderer.
Viewers were left devastated by scenes of kindly Roy being taken away to prison, where he will be held until his trial.
Sadly he is finding it hard to prove his innocence, and his solicitor Dee-Dee Bailey is desperate to find out the truth to set him free.
There could be a turning point in the case, as spoilers reveal some text messages are unearthed.
Upcoming scenes will see Roy make a huge discovery concerning Lauren’s mystery boyfriend.
Why did Roy Cropper go to hospital?
In April 2024, Coronation Street fans watched in shock as Roy was rushed to hospital.
He collapsed in his prison cell after he found out that his good friend Carla had betrayed him.
It was revealed she knew about the fabricated story her nephew Bobby had told police regarding missing Lauren.
It is reminiscent of that early Roy Cropper when people were suspicious of his behaviour and thought he was creepy.
Actor David Neilson
Bobby changed his statement to say he had seen an intruder at her flat before she disappeared.
This ended up implicating Daniel Osbourne, and Roy briefly had hope that the “new evidence” would help secure bail.
However, his hopes were dashed and later, during a chat with Carla, he discovered Bobby had lied and his friend knew all along..
Is Roy Cropper leaving Coronation Street?
At this time, there is no suggestion that Roy is set to leave Coronation Street.
Actor David Neilson has also revealed how he’s “enjoying” Roy’s latest storyline.
Speaking to Radio Times, he said: “It’s a compliment but at the same time a responsibility.
“I do like when Roy is doing bits and pieces in scenes with other people and I get to spend time with my family and see my grandchildren but you never know when things are suddenly going to get busier and I’m prepared for that.
“What I do like about it is the way it has gone back 29 years to 1995 when Roy first arrived.
The actor went on: “It is reminiscent of that early Roy Cropper when people were suspicious of his behaviour and thought he was creepy.
“And all this history will be used against him, things that have happened in the past like abducting their foster child. All that makes this storyline interesting.”