Tony Maudsley, known to ITV viewers as Coronation Street's George Shuttleworth, has experienced profound personal losses in recent years, including the death of his beloved dog and a close friend from his Benidorm days.
The actor joined Coronation Street in 2020 as George Shuttleworth, son of the late undertaker Archie, played by Roy Hudd. Since his arrival, he has become a popular figure with viewers and has been involved in numerous major plotlines. Currently, George has been supporting his partner Christina Boyd, played by Amy Robbins, following her discovery that her grandfather Lucy Parkinson, portrayed by Anya Dewin, is living on the street.
Career Highlights Beyond the Cobbles
Tony's career spans a variety of roles. He featured in Queer as Folk and played hairdresser Kenneth Du Beke in the ITV sitcom Benidorm from 2011 to 2018. He also appeared in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix as Hagrid's half-brother, Gawp.
Tony worked alongside Johnny Depp in the 1999 film Sleepy Hollow, which led to an awkward moment. He told Soap Inside magazine: "Very early on in my career, I worked with Johnny Depp on the film Sleepy Hollow."
"At the time, I'd stopped smoking for three years – but Johnny invited me for a roll-up round the back of the set, and I couldn't say no! So, there I was trying to look cool with Johnny, while choking on a cigarette. It's been a pretty lovely career."
Tony has also appeared on Emmerdale in 2011 as Aaron Livesy's defence barrister, Gerald Lawson. More than three decades ago, he made a brief appearance in Coronation Street as a pub drinker.
A Glimpse Into His Private Life
Tony regularly updates his 110,000 Instagram followers about his daily activities. Earlier this year, he offered a rare glimpse into his personal world when he posted photographs of his dog following a grooming session. He wrote: "Took Bosie to a new groomers today in Worsley Village and they did a great job! They even cleaned his teeth (well the few he's got left! )".
In March, Tony honoured his rarely-photographed mother by sharing an image of them together for Mother's Day, writing: "Happy Mother's Day from me and mine."
Heartbreaking Loss of His Dog
Tragically, in July this year, Tony disclosed he was coping with the bereavement of his cherished dog, Bosie. He used Instagram to announce the sorrowful news, explaining the pet's death had happened 'a few weeks ago', but that he hadn't felt able to share the loss.
Announcing his passing, Tony informed his followers: "Had to say goodbye to my Bosie a few weeks ago. Been a bit too heartbroken to share till now. He's always featured very heavily on my Insta posts, as you know. Saddest day of my life and I'll miss him terribly."
The former Benidorm star then unveiled his tribute, posting a photograph of a portrait tattoo of Bosie. "But now thanks to the brilliantly talented brother of my telly sister Jodie, Marko Prenger at @handofhopetattoo, Bosie will now walk with me everywhere, sitting just above my ankle, forever," he said. Tony added: "Thank you, Marko. This made me feel better more than you know."
The Death of a Close Friend
In January 2024, Tony spoke of his devastation following the death of his close friend Michael McGarrigle, who had worked alongside Tony on ITV's Benidorm. Tony had initially appealed to his followers to assist in locating costume supervisor Michael, who had gone missing, before delivering the heartbreaking news of his passing just days later.
Posting a photograph alongside Michael, Tony wrote: "Thank you so much to everyone for all your efforts in reposting our appeal to find Michael yesterday. I'm so sad to say that we found out late last night that we've lost our beautiful friend. Our whole Benidorm family is devastated and we'll miss him hugely. RIP Michael."
Beyond Benidorm, Michael had served as costume supervisor on numerous productions including Prisoners Wives, Maternal, The Larkins, DCI Banks, Whitechapel, Mrs Biggs, Annika and The Fear. He was also co-owner of Bar Broadway, a musical theatre and cabaret bar in Brighton. Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
