Fifty shades of beige: learning disability group reveals Corrie’s wardrobe secrets

Roy Cropper’s famous beige anorak comes in more than one size, a learning disability group discovered after speaking to actor David Neilson. 

You’ll undoubtedly have heard of Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat, known for its 29 different colours. While considerably less bright, Coronation Street has it’s own version in the form of Roy Cropper’s anorak. A recent Q&A between actor David Neilson and members of a learning disability group revealed there is more than one hanging in the wardrobe. 

Image: David Neilson during the Q&A

Neilson, 77, who’s played Weatherfield’s much-loved café owner for more than 30 years, said: ‘The original anorak fell apart, so the wardrobe team and I went out and bought a load of them in different sizes. 

‘Depending on what mood Roy is in and whether he needs to look more droopy or not, that decides what size I wear. I’ve got enough of them to last me for the rest of my Coronation Street career.’ 

During the online event, members of the group also asked Neilson about his life before joining the soap and how he became one of the shows most recognisable characters. 

‘I didn’t want to be a plumber, so I managed to get a place at drama school,’ Neilson said. ‘I got the part of Roy because my friend had written a few episodes for Coronation Street and thought I’d be a good fit for the character.’

The Q&A came about through Jon, a lifelong Coronation Street fan and member of Luv2meetU – a learning disability social group set up by the charity Hft during the Covid-19 pandemic – who has known Neilson for years through his late brother Jimmy. 

Image: Jon and David Neilson

Jon and Jimmy lived together in supported accommodation in Somerset and, although Jimmy passed away eight years ago, Jon and Neilson have kept in touch.

To celebrate Jon’s 30th birthday, Neilson previously invited him to visit the Coronation Street set, where he toured Roy’s Rolls and pulled a pint behind the Rovers Return bar. 

Jon, who hopes to one day become an actor himself, said: ‘I love Coronation Street, so this was the best birthday treat ever.’

Images: Luv2meetU/Hft

In related news:

Consultation launched over misuse of nurse title

Great expectations: Andy Burnham unveils plans to fix social care