Bert was the great uncle of Hayley Cropper who over time came to accept her transgender identity.
Living away from Weatherfield, Bert wasn't around to help Hayley care for her father when he became ill and the only support she received up until his death in February 1998 was from her aunt Linda "once a flood".
Bert as played by Peter Wallis in 1999.
Bert was close to his niece Monica, and together they travelled a long distance to attend Hayley's wedding to Roy Cropper. Initially Bert was insensitive towards Hayley, repeatedly deadnaming her "Harold" and suggesting that she should "put [her] trousers on" and come home with him and Monica. Bert recalled a memory of him and 'Harold' playing dominoes in the Wheatsheaf pub, but Hayley pointed out that she hadn't enjoyed the experience as much as she had let on and was deeply unhappy at the time.
Following a heart-to-heart Bert began using Hayley's chosen name and stated that he and her aunt would never stop being for of her. He and Monica stayed for the wedding and, despite Les Battersby's attempted sabotage, they happily saw the newlyweds off.
In July 2003, Bert's wife Marge suffered a stroke and Hayley visited to help out. Despite their previous reconciliation, Hayley noted upon her return that there was slight tension but Bert was clearly making an effort.
When Monica died in August 2007, Hayley and Roy attended the funeral and Bert was delighted when Roy stood up to Monica's brother-in-law Dennis and his wife Barbara. He pointed out that Monica had never liked the pair and that he had waited 40 years to see someone put them in their place.
In July 2012, Bert suffered a fall and Hayley went to stay with him.
List of appearances[]
1999
2007