ITV Coronation Street Tony Maudsley’s show exit admission after ‘worry’ as weight loss wows fans
The actor, who hails from Kirkby, is a fan favourite on the Cobbles with his performance as George Shuttleworth
Tony Maudsley as George Shuttleworth in Coronation Street(Image: ITV)
George Shuttleworth quickly became one of Coronation Street’s most important characters. The funeral director has been played by Kirkby actor, Tony Maudsley, ever since he was first introduced to the Cobbles in 2020.
Tony has won acclaim for his performances and is currently at the centre of the drama as Eileen Grimshaw’s exit storyline plays out. Eileen is played in the show by Sue Cleaver who is departing the soap after 25 years. In the show, George and Eileen have been in a happy long-term relationship.
However, their romance is under threat as Eileen’s priorities have changed since her sister in the show, Julie Carp, died after a battle with cancer. Julie suggested Eileen should move on from George which has made the character have doubts about her relationship.
With Eileen’s departure looming, fans have taken to social media platform X to share their concern about whether George will be following her. @TwellyWatcher said; “Now that Eileen’s leaving I’m worried about George. I like him and hope he stays.” However, Tony reassured fans concerned about his exit.
The 57-year-old took to X in March to issue an update on his show future and revealed he wouldn’t be exiting anytime soon. He said: “That’s George serving (and burying) the good folk of Weatherfield till at least July 2026. Happy days!”
Playing George isn’t Tony’s first foray on the Cobbles. In an interview with Lorraine Kelly, when he re-joined the show in 2020, he said: “Corrie was my very first job out of drama school so I’ve kind of come full circle 30 years later.
“I did a scene with Roy Barraclough, so here I am back 30 years later.” Tony loves his role on the soap and admitted he has no plans to exit anytime soon. He told Inside Soap in 2021: “They can’t get rid of George as there would be no one to bury him!
“I hope that doesn’t happen in the near future as I’m happy on Corrie.” Tony has enjoyed a successful career in television over many years and is also known for his role as Kenneth du Beke on Benidorm.
Away from the screen, Tony regularly shares updates from his exciting career in showbiz with his 50,700 Instagram followers. Fans were amazed when Tony recently revealed his little known role as Grawp in Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix.
He previously told fans: “10 years ago when I went to HARRY POTTER WORLD and came face to face with myself!” Co-star Colson Smith, who will be exiting the soap, took to the comments in amazement after the update.
The Celebrity Big Brother star said: “I will never not be starstruck.” A fan named Cate added: “Did not know this! How amazing!” Another fan named Libby posted: “Omg I never realised you were Grawp! Amazing.”
Many of Tony’s posts have sparked a wave of positive comments from fans who have praised his slimmer physique. The actor shared a snap alongside Stephen Mulhern after ITV’s annual Coronation Street vs Emmerdale quiz which particularly wowed fans.
Fans took to the comments to praise Tony’s transformation. Tim said: “Wow Kenneth from Benidorm has shredded some serious terry! Fairplay.”
Sharon posted: “You look amazing. Not been watching Corrie. What weight you’ve lost.” Viewers following episodes of Corrie on social media platform X have also praised Tony’s weight loss.
Tara said: “George Shuttleworth and Eileen Grimshaw look great after their weight losses. Well done!” Stevie commented: “George Shuttleworth the Funeral Director hasn’t half dropped some weight. Looks well on it, & so much younger.”
