DON’T YOU WANT ME, ROY?

Corrie’s Melanie Hill on how Cathy’s big day is threatened by her groom’s bombshell

When Hayley Cropper died in 2014, it didn’t seem possible that her devastated husband Roy would ever want another woman, or that the couple’s millions of fans would accept one. So it was with some trepidation that Melanie Hill joined Coronation Street as Cathy Matthews, Roy’s new love. But this week, as the pair get set to marry, Melanie says she’s relieved viewers have given the couple their blessing.

‘Corrie’s audience is very protective of Roy,’ says Melanie, ‘but as their relationship’s been gradual, the reaction I get from the public is that they’re now rooting for him and Cathy – luckily, as I was scared at first.’

The problem, however, is that while Corrie fans may have finally got over the loss of Hayley, who ended her own life nearly three years ago after suffering from pancreatic cancer, has Roy? ‘Cathy loves Roy and wants to get married; it’s big for her because she can’t believe she’s fallen in love with someone after the death of her previous husband Alan,’ says Melanie. ‘But Cathy is aware of the shadow of Hayley – there have always been three people in their relationship.’

Last week, viewers saw Roy have a meltdown as he struggled to deal with the emotions attached to mov-

ing on from his beloved Hayley. Roy’s wobble led Cathy to call his bluff and suggest they cancel the wedding to test his commitment, although it backfired when he agreed.

As it stands, the couple’s traditional church wedding is back on, despite Roy having voiced doubts to friends Brian and Tyrone. But the situation could change this week when Cathy overhears that conversation, which was inadvertently recorded on the dictaphone she’s been using to record her wedding vows. Cathy heads to the church seeking assurances from Roy, but will she get them?

At the same time, Cathy is trying to come to terms with learning her sister Nessa’s son Alex was the result of an affair between Nessa and Cathy’s husband Alan. In spite of this, Nessa is still due to walk Cathy down the aisle. ‘Cathy feels beneath Nessa as

her sister’s always got the boys,’ says Melanie, ‘but the tables have turned.’

Soap careers are built on great relationships between actors, and Melanie says she’s found one with David Neilson, who plays Roy. ‘He has a generous spirit and we get on really well. It’s the best bit about being in Corrie. It’s great fun.’

When Melanie, 54, who previously starred in hit comedies Bread and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, joined Corrie she said it was her proudest moment. ‘I still feel the same,’ she beams. ‘It’s a joy to come to work.’

But if the wedding doesn’t go ahead, where is there for Cathy to go? Not through the exit door, insists Melanie. ‘Cathy’s building up relationships with everyone and is very close to Fiz and Tyrone, so if the wedding’s called off I think she’ll be fine.’