Fans of Coronation Street often see strong friendships on screen, but behind the scenes, some bonds run even deeper, and sometimes shape entire careers. Now, actor Peter Gunn has opened up about how one co-star played a surprising role in changing his professional path long before the cobbles became his home.
A Friendship That Started Long Before Coronation Street
Peter Gunn, who first appeared as Brian Packham in 2010 and has remained a steady presence on the ITV soap for the past decade, recently shared a heartfelt story about his early days in acting.
Speaking on the On the Sofa podcast alongside fellow cast members Jack P. Shepherd, Colson Smith, and Ben Price, Gunn revealed that his connection with David Neilson goes back much further than fans might expect.
Long before they shared scenes as Brian and Roy, the two actors crossed paths during their drama school days. Gunn recalled how Neilson had written and directed a festive production titled Robin Hood: The Truth Behind the Green Tights. The play even featured Ralph Fiennes as Robin Hood, making it a memorable project for everyone involved.
Looking back at that time, Gunn shared that he met Neilson during Christmas 1984 and immediately formed a strong bond with him, saying they “got on like a house on fire.” That early connection would soon prove to be more than just a friendship.
The Recommendation That Changed Everything
Gunn went on to explain how Neilson directly influenced his career trajectory. During another pantomime production in Scarborough, written by a now-deceased Coronation Street writer and directed by Neilson, an opportunity arose that would shape Gunn’s future.
Neilson personally recommended Gunn for a role in that production, encouraging him to audition. Gunn made it clear that this wasn’t just a casual suggestion; Neilson actively put his name forward, which ultimately led to Gunn landing the part. As Gunn explained, he secured the role because of Neilson’s support.
His co-stars couldn’t resist pointing out the significance of that moment. Shepherd and Smith jokingly told him that his entire career was essentially down to Roy Cropper, highlighting just how impactful that recommendation had been.
The bond clearly endured over the years. Gunn shared that when he arrived on the Coronation Street set for the first time, he made it a priority to find Neilson immediately so they could reconnect and catch up after all those years.
The conversation also took a charming turn as Gunn and Price shared lesser-known details about Neilson’s life beyond acting. Before becoming a household name as Roy Cropper, Neilson worked as a gas fitter. Interestingly, he didn’t give up that job immediately after joining the soap.
In fact, he continued working as a gas fitter for around six months into his time on Coronation Street, as he wasn’t convinced the role would last. That cautious approach now feels almost unbelievable, given how iconic Roy has become over the years. Even more impressively, it seems Neilson hasn’t lost touch with those practical skills. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers.