Coronation Street viewers have been left baffled by the mystery surrounding Roy Cropper’s pen pal Alice, but upcoming episodes expose Alice’s true identity
Joe Crutchley Screen Time reporter
22:50, 21 Jan 2026Updated 22:52, 21 Jan 2026
Who is Alice on Coronation Street? Spoilers confirm Roy’s penpal’s true identity(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street spoilers have unveiled the true identity of Roy Cropper’s pen pal Alice, and it doesn’t bode well for him.
The much-loved character (David Neilson) first appeared on our screens back in 1995 – turning up as Deirdre Barlow’s (Anne Kirkbride) neighbour in a block of flats. He quickly became a fan favourite.
Throughout his 30-year tenure on the enduring soap, the café owner has been central to many significant storylines, most notably his marriage to wife Hayley (Julie Hesmondhalgh).
The couple got together in the late nineties and became one of television’s most cherished pairs before her heartbreaking death in 2014.
Roy has been messaging someone named Alice(Image: ITV)
However, recently on the soap, Roy has been penning letters to a woman named Alice after joining a pen pal scheme. And in Wednesday’s episode (January 21), it was revealed that Roy was actually corresponding with an unknown man.
The enigmatic individual, sporting a beard, was seen perusing the chain of messages from Roy. While many fans are puzzled about the person’s identity, spoilers for the upcoming week have confirmed who they are, reports the Daily Star.
A man with a beard was seen(Image: )
Next week, a besotted Roy discloses that he’s sent Alice a bouquet of flowers. However, later in the week, Roy receives a visit from a man claiming to be Alice’s husband, who appears to be the same man who was seen messaging Roy.
The following day, Roy finds himself without electricity in his flat and calls for an electrician. However, both Nina and Roy are taken aback when the tradesman turns out to be Mal.
Next week Mal shows up(Image: ITV)
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Spoilers also reveal that Mal encounters Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove) next week, who is grappling with her own sorrow. At the Chariot Square Hotel, Bernie knocks back another shot and orders a whisky.
Mal joins her at the bar and after introducing himself, discloses that his wife has been unfaithful. Bernie confides in Mal and when Ryan Connor insists they’ve had enough and asks them to leave, Mal invites Bernie up to his room. Will she agree?
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX