Why we love Corrie's Roy Cropper

Posted by Claudia Pattison

When he slipped quietly into Weatherfield in 1995, clad in his trademark anorak and clutching a nylon shopping bag, Roy Cropper seemed like an unlikely hero. But, over the years, Coronation Street fans have come to realise that the mild-mannered café proprietor is a man of many talents.

Once summed up by Mike Baldwin as “a bit of a nutter, but harmless enough”, Roy is something of a genius on the sly – maths, automotive engines and the Manchester Ship Canal are just some of his areas of expertise. He’s also got a heart of gold, comforting Liz McDonald when she was beaten up by her husband Jim and taking in various waifs and strays, including former jailbird Becky.

But it’s Roy’s tender relationship with transsexual Hayley – culminating in a marriage ceremony in the café – that touched the nation’s heart. Despite public hostility, Roy has always been not only Hayley’s lover, but also her staunchest defender.

Just this week, he sprang to her defence when she was verbally attacked by a couple of family members at her aunt’s funeral, declaring: “What right do you have to pass judgement on Hayley? She has more integrity, decency and humanity than a pair of bigoted buffoons like you two will ever come close to having." Now that’s the mark of a real hero. Roy Cropper, we salute you!