George Shuttleworth, the beloved funeral director on Coronation Street, has become a fan favourite since his introduction in 2020, thanks to the compelling portrayal by Kirkby-born actor Tony Maudsley. George’s character is now at the heart of one of the show’s most emotional storylines as long-time character Eileen Grimshaw, played by Sue Cleaver, prepares to depart after 25 years.
The couple’s long-term relationship has been a steady source of warmth on the cobbles, but recent plot twists threaten to upend their happiness. Following the death of Eileen’s sister Julie Carp, who succumbed to cancer, Eileen’s priorities have shifted drastically. Julie’s suggestion that Eileen should move on from George has planted seeds of doubt in Eileen’s mind about their future together.
This impending departure has left fans anxious about George’s fate. Social media is abuzz with viewers pleading for George to remain on the show, worried that the loss of Eileen might mean the end for his character as well. However, Tony Maudsley himself has stepped forward to calm fears, confirming on X (formerly Twitter) that George will remain a fixture in Weatherfield at least until July 2026. His humorous comment, “That’s George serving (and burying) the good folk of Weatherfield till at least July 2026. Happy days!” reassures fans that the funeral director’s role will continue to be vital.
Tony’s connection to Coronation Street runs deep. He recalls that his very first acting job out of drama school was on the cobbles, where he performed alongside the late Roy Barraclough. Returning three decades later, Tony feels a sense of coming full circle, embracing the role of George with great enthusiasm. He’s made it clear in interviews that he has no plans to leave the show anytime soon, joking that the show couldn’t get rid of George because “there would be no one to bury.”
Tony’s career spans beyond Weatherfield, with a notable role as Kenneth du Beke on Benidorm and a surprising cameo as Grawp in Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix. His fans were delighted to learn of this little-known fact when he posted about meeting his giant character at Harry Potter World, sparking awe and admiration among co-stars and followers alike.
Off-screen, Tony’s transformation has also caught viewers’ attention. The actor’s significant weight loss has been widely praised on social media, with fans commenting on how much healthier and younger he looks. His recent appearance alongside Stephen Mulhern during ITV’s Coronation Street vs Emmerdale quiz highlighted his new physique, drawing compliments and admiration from fans and colleagues.
As Coronation Street continues to evolve with the exit of iconic characters and the introduction of new drama, George Shuttleworth and Tony Maudsley remain key players. Fans can look forward to many more storylines featuring the beloved funeral director, who seems set to keep the cobbles grounded—one heartfelt farewell at a time.
