HE'S an iconic part of the Coronation Street cast and is beloved by millions of fans across the country. But security at the soap's Manchester set failed to recognise Roy Cropper actor David Neilson as he made his way to work. Staff refused to let the actor, 75, onto the site, despite his exasperated insistence that he was his famous alter-ego.
He pressed a buzzer and said: " Roy Cropper . I'm on the show." As David paused at the site's black gates, he was approached by a fan who asked him for an autograph.
The actor duly obliged and told staff "why do you think I'm standing here signing these? Why do you think?" while putting pen to paper. The Sun has contacted a representative for Corrie for comment. Show stalwart Roy made his debut in 1995 and has appeared in more than 2,500 episodes.
He was at the heart of a major storyline this year after a miscarriage of justice saw him wrongfully locked up for murdering killing missing teen, Lauren Bolton . He was held in prison while he awaited trial and then had to face far-right extremist Griff Reynolds , who was transferred back to Weatherfield Prison . Roy was rushed to hospital after collapsing in his cell, and he fell ill again when he was finally released following Nathan Curtis' arrest over Lauren's disappearance.
Even though his name had been cleared, Roy struggled to deal with what he had been through. He spent most of his time in the flat above the cafe, but eventually decided to head out when Shona told him she was ill. Ro.