Corrie's Roy Cropper tipped for shock return after abrupt exit

Coronation Street's Roy Cropper made a surprise exit from the cobbles in November, as he climbed into the back of a taxi and set off for the airport, bound for a new job in South America.

Many fans were devastated to see the soap stalwart leave his beloved Roy's Rolls behind, apparently for good, but it has now been reported that Roy could be making a shock comeback sooner than expected.

Actor David Neilson, who plays Roy, has already been spotted back on the set of the ITV soap after taking a short break, and it's claimed that he will be part of a "dramatic storyline" over the coming months, The Sun reports.

ITV

Viewers had seen Roy's guilt over lying to the police about the events of Super Soap Week mounting, after he stopped Abi Franklin (Sally Carman) from shooting Corey Brent (Maximus Evans) and agreed to cover for her in the face of police questioning.

Already battling with his conscience over the lie, Roy was further stricken when he learned that the gun Abi abandoned was the same one used to fatally shoot Natasha Blakeman (Rachel Leskovac).

Feeling that he couldn't remain on the street any longer, Roy asked Abi to sell his car and signed his flat and café over to niece Nina Lucas (Mollie Gallagher). Despite the best efforts of his friends to convince him to stay, Roy remained determined to leave Weatherfield behind.

After saying a final goodbye to a heartbroken Nina in the café, and ignoring her pleas for him not to leave her, Roy set off for South America, where he had secured a new role feeding conservation workers.

roy cropper and carla barlow in coronation street

ITV

Since Roy's exit, there has been no on-screen hint of his return but Corrie has also not confirmed that fans have said goodbye to the much-loved character for good.

Actor David has also remained coy about his future on the cobbles, recently telling Inside Soap: "There are two exits in this for me: one for the character and one for David. Hopefully they won't coincide – maybe they will.

"I know Roy leaving will get a reaction. It's a big part of your life and a big part of that popular culture. He will be remembered for a long while."

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7.30pm on ITV.