Coronation Street's beloved cafe owner Roy Cropper is set for a central role in one of the soap's most significant and emotionally complex storylines of 2026, executive producer Kate Brooks has revealed.
The socially awkward but kind-hearted proprietor of Roy's Rolls, played by David Neilson, will find himself drawn into a 'muddy, murky' plot focusing on fellow cobbles legend Bernie Winter-Alahan, portrayed by Jane Hazelgrove.
A Story of Buried Grief and Unravelling Strength
Kate Brooks explained that the new narrative will delve into Bernie's profound but suppressed grief following a series of devastating losses. The plain-speaking matriarch, who co-manages the cafe, recently endured the horrific death of her son, Paul Foreman, from Motor Neurone Disease, followed swiftly by the tragic loss of Paul's former husband, Billy Mayhew, in the Corriedale car crash.
'Bernie is brilliant, she's such a fun character,' Brooks enthused. 'She's really stoic... The thing with Bernie is she wants to take care of people, she wants to be people's rock. As a result of that she's buried a lot of grief.'
The producer detailed how the storyline will explore what happens when that long-buried pain finally erupts. 'We take Bernie on a really interesting journey as she struggles. It gets to the point where, because it's been bubbling for such a long time, it actually kind of erupts. When it does, there's consequences for Bernie.'
A Major Test for Bernie and Dev's Rocky Marriage
This emotional turmoil will place immense strain on Bernie's already precarious marriage to shopkeeper Dev Alahan, played by Jimmi Harkishin. Their relationship, which began with a gloriously chaotic wedding in August 2025, has recently been troubled by Bernie's well-meaning interference in the life of Dev's daughter, Asha.
Brooks confirmed this grief storyline will be a substantial obstacle for the pair. 'Obviously it's going to be a test for Bernie and Dev. They are a really strong couple and no matter what we throw at them, they can overcome because they love each other... So it's a big test for them, it's a big story for Bernie.'
She emphasised that the plot will avoid simple solutions, stating: 'It's not as straightforward as Dev sweeping in and making everything OK.'
Roy Cropper's Crucial Involvement
Intriguingly, Roy Cropper will be deeply embroiled in Bernie's unfolding drama. The character, who was recently wrongly accused and charged with the murder of Lauren Bolton before being exonerated, is no stranger to supporting those in crisis.
His own ground-breaking love story with his late wife, trans woman Hayley Cropper, cemented his status as one of the Street's most empathetic figures. His involvement suggests he will become a key source of support for Bernie as she navigates her darkest moments.
'Roy's embroiled in that story as well,' Brooks confirmed. 'It's a really interesting one to keep an eye on because it's going to be quite a big start to the year for Bernie.'
This news follows Brooks' earlier revelation about a special episode airing in February 2026, which will kickstart a murder mystery. The episode will reveal a body found on the Street, with five potential victims identified, creating a 'who-they-dunnit-to' narrative that will impact numerous residents.
