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Coronation Street star David Neilson and how his wife inspired the character of Roy

The real life of Coronation Street star David Neilson - from ice cream man to national treasure. He's a proper Corrie icon!

When he was starting out in showbiz and studying at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, David took on all sorts of jobs including selling ice cream and pulling pints. Sadly she passed away shortly before he got the part in Corrie, but when Roy began turning up on Deirdre’s doorstep asking if she needed any shopping, it gave David an idea! The pair love the Spanish lifestyle and both speak the language, plus spending a lot of time abroad means David can leave Roy behind and avoid the downsides of being a regular character in Corrie.

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