Coronation Street’s Roy Cropper murder arrest doesn’t go far enough – he should be the next cobbles serial killer

CORONATION Street has delivered a shock to fans this week when Roy Cropper was arrested for the sordid murder of Lauren Bolton.

The kindly cafe owner - who is played by actor David Neilson in the ITV soap - was questioned by DS Swain over Lauren’s disappearance with the detective suspecting Roy as a secret sexual predator and murderer.

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Now anyone watching knows Roy would struggle to harm anyone, much less batter troubled Lauren over the head with a chair after a sexual tryst.

But actually making Roy a serial killer would be quite fun.

Corrie does need a decent killer - anything to thin the current herd of characters frankly (and i do have a list of worthy victims should the new producer want one).

Now, the less said about Stephen Reid the better, least said soonest mended and all that, but the cobbles has a habit of throwing up these murderers.

Richard Hillman was the archetype. Norman Bates with a briefcase remains one of the most iconic and chilling villains ever to step foot in soapland.

Pat Phelan was an altogether different beast.

Outwardly cruel, calculating and vicious, he killed because he could and because he enjoyed hurting people.

He also outstayed his welcome by about six months which was one of the few misfires of Corrie in those years.

But imagine the shock of a mild-mannered character, who viewers have watched and loved for decades, hiding a truly dark secret.

Roy Cropper being unmasked as a secret serial killer, responsible for deaths on the cobbles over decades, would be an outstanding storytelling coup.

Let’s not forget that back in the 90s Roy wasn’t introduced as the kindly uncle of Weatherfield.

He was a creepy stalker who made everyone uncomfortable with his bizarre behaviour.

Actor David told The Sun in 2021 how Roy evolved: “He was this strange guy that stalked Deirdre at the start. 

“He was a real loner and an oddball, one of the notes was he just doesn’t get it but nowadays, he’s turned into Rita! 

“People come into the café for advice and Roy gives them all this wisdom.

“Somehow, he’s survived and adapted. Time has flown and it has been extraordinary! I’ve worked with some really great people. I’m 72 as well, probably a lot of it is down to luck!”

Part of his change was the iconic love story between him and wife Hayley, but she died - with Roy’s help.

So isn’t it time to embrace Roy’s dangerous side once more? 

Let him be a killer! One that Weatherfield and viewers deserve.

And it would have the added benefit of us never having to see Lauren again.

The Poundshop Becky McDonald never quite worked so let’s let her rest in peace, and the reign of killer Roy Cropper begin.

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