Tony Maudsley, who has played George Shuttleworth in Coronation Street since 2020, keeps a relatively quiet life away from the ITV soap. The actor joined the series as the son of deceased undertaker Archie (Roy Hudd) and has since become a popular figure in numerous major storylines.
Currently, George is supporting his partner Christina Boyd (Amy Robbins) after she discovered her grandfather Lucy Parkinson (Anya Dewin) is living on the street. Outside the soap, however, Tony's life is considerably less eventful.
Career Highlights Beyond Corrie
Beyond Coronation Street, Tony has appeared in Queer as Folk and played hairdresser Kenneth Du Beke in the ITV sitcom Benidorm from 2011 to 2018. He also featured in the Harry Potter franchise, appearing 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, though he had an awkward encounter with the Hollywood star. 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 also appeared in rival soap Emmerdale in 2011 as Gerald Lawson, the defence barrister for Aaron Livesy (Danny Miller). More than three decades ago, he made a brief appearance in Coronation Street as a pub drinker.
Rarely-Seen Family and Personal Moments
Tony regularly keeps his 110,000 Instagram followers informed about his daily life. Earlier this year, he offered a glimpse into his personal world by posting photographs of his beloved 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."
Devastating Loss
This July, Tony disclosed he was coping with the heartbreak of losing his cherished dog, Bosie. He announced the news on Instagram, revealing the pet's death had happened 'a few weeks ago' and that he had been unable to share the loss until then. He told 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 actor unveiled a 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 explained. "Thank you, Marko. This made me feel better more than you know."
Friend's Tragic Death
In January 2024, Tony expressed devastation following the passing of his friend Michael McGarrigle, who had worked alongside Tony on ITV's Benidorm. Tony initially urged followers to assist in locating the missing costume supervisor before delivering the heartbreaking news of Michael's death several 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 a musical theatre and cabaret bar in Brighton, Bar Broadway. Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
