Neilson compares Roy Cropper to Eeyore

David Neilson has claimed that Roy Cropper's honesty and humour have helped him to become a Coronation Street favourite.

The 60-year-old actor told DS that he believes viewers relate to the café owner, who was first introduced to the cobbles 14 years ago.

Asked why Roy is popular with fans, Neilson replied: "I think it's because he's like a lot of people - that doubt and that trying to battle through life. He's honest - he does his best - and he's got a nice relationship with Hayley. I think also they're funny. It helps that there's humour in their lives but there's also a very serious side."

He continued: "I always think there's this little dark cloud that follows Roy around. If it was raining in one spot it would be over him. He's like Eeyore in Winnie-the-Pooh - something dreadful is going to happen to him. He doesn't have any humour himself but he's got particular obscure interests but he cares about the right things.

"He's rigorous in the way he deals with life and if something doesn't satisfy him, he won't be fobbed off with an excuse and accept it. He has to worry it out and he will get himself into a lot of trouble when it would have been much easier to lie or forget it."

Neilson previously revealed that he was keen to shed Roy's reputation as a "psychopath" during his initial storyline in 1995.

> Click here to read our full interview with David Neilson