David Neilson admits Nepal is the "strangest place" he's ever been recognised by a fan.

David Neilson

David Neilson

The 'Coronation Street' star - who has played Roy Cropper on the cobbles since 1995 - insisted he doesn't often get spotted by viewers in his everyday life, but it once happened in the most unexpected way when he was visiting his son in South Asia.

He told Inside Soap: "The strangest place was Nepal! My son was out there on a gap year, about 20 years ago, and I was in a restaurant with him.

"It suddenly went very quiet and all the staff were looking at me. It transpired that the restaurant owner's daughter had been studying in Sussex, and watched the show to help her learn English!"

David, 70, explained how the woman took "real comfort" in watching 'Corrie' while she was away from her own family, and admitted it was a surprise for her to see him in her father's place of business.

He added: "She was very homesick, but found real comfort in watching this 'Coronation Street' community and their stories.

"So she was very shocked to see Roy Cropper sitting in her dad's restaurant!"

Meanwhile, David has admitted he still enjoys playing Roy, and he loves the "big history" his character has on 'Corrie'.

He said: "It feels like the strangest thing to do - we have one time on this planet and I have spent most of it playing someone else.

"But it is very nice that Roy has this big history now of 24 years that the writers and I can play with, and I enjoy that now in a different way."


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