ROY Cropper’s family are being introduced to Coronation Street with his troubled niece Nina moving onto the cobbles.
The cafe owner – who is played by actor David Neilson in the ITV soap – has recently discovered he has a secret brother after an affair his late mum Sylvia had as a younger woman.
When he finally tracks down his brother Richard Lucas (Paul Bown) he is surprised to find he has a teenage daughter Nina, and she is less than impressed with Uncle Roys sudden appearance in their lives.
Roy’s subsequent discovery that Richard is seriously ill leads him to agree to take on responsibility for his niece’s welfare, but will he regret taking in another troublesome teen?
David Neilson who plays Roy said: “The storyline is a great device to bring Roys niece Nina into his life, a new relationship with a younger character, a troubled young person in the same way as he took in Wayne, Fiz, Becky and even cared for Carla when she was struggling. It is an interesting dynamic.
“Roy works well when he has something to focus on, a problem to solve or someone to look out for, particularly someone who others may see as a bit different.
“Roy can identify with that as he has been an outsider himself. It is interesting and it puts him on his mettle. They are different generations and worlds apart but there is a connection between them.”
Goth Nina is played by newcomer Mollie Gallagher, 21, and this is the Manchester born actress’ first TV role.
Mollie said in a statement: “I am absolutely delighted to be in Coronation Street.
“I grew up watching the show and it is surreal to be on the set working alongside such incredible actors as David Neilson and Alison King.
“Nina is a really interesting character, she is a bit of an outsider and although she is reluctant to let Roy into her life she soon realises they have more in common than she first thought.”
