Corrie bosses introduce Roy Cropper's niece as he discovers long-lost brother
There's tragedy in store for Roy
Coronation Street have announced that there's another family storyline on the way for Roy Cropper. Roy, played by David Neilson, has been a fan-favourite on the soap throughout his 24 years on the show, and in that time his family have been something of a mystery.
Fans of the show finally got to know a bit about his background when his mum Sylvia Goodwin (Stephanie Cole) became a Street resident back in 2011, and there was THAT infamous paternity confusion over Amy McDonald, but other than that poor old Roy has been on his own.
But all that's about to change for Roy, as soap bosses have announced the introduction of a brand new character - Nina, Roy's niece. Roy will begin to play an online crossword game with an anonymous competitor.
However, Roy gets an inkling that the opponent could be his long-lost brother and goes to find him. Unfortunately, when he finds Richard Lucas, Roy discovers that he's seriously ill, and agrees to take on responsibility of his daughter Nina, who's less than impressed about the situation.
Actor David said, "The storyline is a great device to bring Roy’s 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."
Actress Mollie Gallagher, who plays Nina, is 21 and from Manchester. This is her first acting role, and she said, "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."
Scroll through to see all the Coronation Street spoilers you need to know for next week...
When Michelle hears that Roy has offered her role to Ayla, she wants to look out for her and tells Ayla not to accept any inappropriate behavior from Roy...
But when it gets back to Roy that Michelle has been talking about him he's furious, and heads over to the Bistro with his lawyer to serve her a letter of breach of contract and defamation.
Robert is driving home from Vicky's after placating Tyler over the Amy situation, but when he receives a call from a shaken Michelle following her run in with Ray he's distracted, and crashes is car.
Having been cut off, a frantic Michelle tries to call Robert back but is horrified when his phone is answered by police, who tell her he's been in an accident. Michelle rushes to visit him in hospital and is confused when a dazed and confused Robert starts asking about a baby...
Meanwhile, Vicky is at the same hospital for a scan and when the nurse recognises her, breaks the news that Robert has been in a terrible accident. Vicky rushes to find him on his ward - will Robert be able to keep his two women separate?
But Robert's drug-fuelled rambling in the hospital rouses Michelle's suspicions and when he's back on his feet she follows him in the car with Carla to Vicky's address.
Inside the house, Robert is breaking the news to Vicky that their relationship is over, but that he still wants to be a part of the baby's life.
Outside, Michelle's suspicions are confirmed as she watches Robert leave Vicky's house. Back in Weatherfield, Michelle confronts
Roy confides in Carla that the reason he's been so obsessed with his online scrabble is because he thinks his opponent is his long lost half brother, Richard.
When he finds an address for him, Carla comes with for emotional support but Roy is disheartened when a young woman, Nina, answers the door and insists she doesn't know anyone called Richard.
With Carla's encouragement, Roy tries again at the address and this time they are let in when Roy introduces himself as Richard's online scrabble opponent.
Eventually, Roy comes clean about who he really is. Richard's daughter, Nina, explains that he's suffering from pulmonary fibrosis and doesn't have long to live. Carla takes Nina aside and tells her she'd be lucky to have Roy in her life.
With Amy and Steve constantly squabbling, new housemate Emma is determined to get them seeing eye to eye and comes up with a plan to spend some quality time together as a family.
Emma announces that they'll each take it in turns to suggest a fun activity to do together. It's Steve's turn first, and when he picks a football match Amy is suprised to find she enjoys herself.
For Amy's turn, she picks a Little Mix concert and Steve is less than pleased. Feeling her work is done, Emma announces she's moving back home, leaving Amy gutted.
In a bid to get Emma to stay, Amy pretends to sprain her ankle but when Emma says they probably shouldn't go to the concert, Amy admits she'd faked it to get Emma to stay. Emma tells her they'll always be sisters and they can hang out all the time if she wants.
Elswhere in Weatherfield, Kel is released from prison and when Bernie suggests a family dinner to celebrate, a furious Paul outright refuses to join them.
As they say their goodnight's after their family meal, Billy rounds on Kel and warns him to stay away from No. 5 – and certainly from Joseph - or he'd regret it. Are Billy's threats enough?
Meanwhile, Gemma and Chesney have been contacted by the Marketing manager of Frescho who is interested in booking them and the quads as they new faces of the supermarket.
With a £500 bill to pay back to the hotel in Llandudno (thanks to Bernie drinking the mini bar dry!) Gemma and Chesney are keen to accept - but are knocked for six when she offers them £60k.
In the Rover's after signing the contract, an elated Bernie insists they book a holiday with all the money - but a clear headed Gemma refuses, saying the money is for the babies' futures.
Mollie's first scenes as Nina will be coming up in the next couple of weeks.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
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