William "Bill" Gregory was a Navy CPO who had an on-off relationship with Elsie Tanner. Elsie eventually left Weatherfield to run a bar with him in Portugal in 1984. An experienced Navy chief petty officer, Bill Gregory knew Len Fairclough from their time in the war. Len left and became a builder, but Bill stayed and eventually married Phyllis Gregory. Bill's next visit was in 1970. Phyllis was now dead and he was buying a wine bar in Portugal. Bill wanted to marry Elsie, but she turned him down in favour of Alan Howard. Elsie married Alan shortly afterwards.