DON’T LEAVE ME ROY!

Being abandoned by her beloved uncle could push tragic Nina over the edge, says Corrie star Mollie Gallagher

She’s been to hell and back over the past year, but Nina’s heading for more heartache in Coronation Street this week when her beloved uncle Roy decides to leave town.

The devastating news follows the horrific gang attack that left her boyfriend Seb dead and her badly injured, the cruel taunts she had to endure from his killer Corey and the return to Weatherfield of Corey’s co-defendant Kelly.

It’s no wonder Mollie Gallagher, who plays Nina, believes Roy’s departure could tip her over the edge. ‘Nina has lost everyone who means the most to her and now Roy’s leaving, too,’ Mollie says. ‘She feels like Roy leaving is different to when her dad died because Roy is making the decision to leave her.

‘We’ve seen Nina spiral out of control before – after Seb’s death when she was abusing alcohol, but this situation is worse because she will have lost both Seb and Roy in the space of a few months. I’d hate to see what she does if Roy leaves because she will have no one. She’s gutted and will do everything she can to persuade him to stay.’

Roy’s guilt-ridden for keeping quiet about the gun that was eventually used to kill Natasha and plans to become a chef in South America.

But not if Nina can help it. She reminds him of the vow he made to her dying dad to look after her, hoping it will tug at his conscience.

‘Nina can’t understand it. Roy Cropper would never break a promise! She feels let down and just wants him to stay,’ says Mollie, who’s 23 and joined the show two years ago.

Even if Nina can convince him not to go, Mollie says the relationship

might be beyond repair. ‘Nina feels so let down even by the thought of Roy leaving that it would likely cause issues for them down the line.’

There is also the issue of Kelly, who has been released from prison and, this week, Nina has to decide whether to rescue the homeless youngster from the clutches of a gang. It’s like history repeating itself and Nina’s torn. ‘She thinks to herself, what would Roy do?’ says Mollie.

In spite of Coronation Street being Mollie’s first job in television,

she’s made a huge impact. She’s been at the heart of one of Corrie’s biggest storylines and in September won a National Television Award for Best Serial Drama Performance.

‘I’m still shocked. It’s amazing. I couldn’t be happier,’ says Mollie. ‘I love Corrie so much, I always have. And I love playing Nina. I’m very attached to her; she feels part of me and I can’t imagine not playing her. I hope I’ll get to see what happens to her over many more years.’