Coronation Street star Tony Maudsley has been flooded with support from his fellow cast members after he humorously suggested the show's writers must 'hate' him. The jest came after his character, funeral director George Shuttleworth, was revealed to be turning 60 years old.
A Milestone Birthday on the Cobbles
The birthday revelation unfolded during the ITV soap's episode on Monday, December 29. On screen, George's sister Glenda Shuttleworth, played by Jodie Prenger, was preparing for her own birthday celebration at the Bistro. However, it quickly became apparent that the party's main focus was actually George's upcoming milestone 60th birthday, which falls just weeks after Glenda's.
Tony Maudsley, who is 57 in real life, first arrived on the famous cobbles as George in 2020. His character was introduced as the son of longstanding undertaker Archie Shuttleworth, portrayed by the late Roy Hudd. Following his father's passing, George took over the family business, Shuttleworth's Independent Funeral Directors on Tile Street, enlisting his friend Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) as his right-hand man.
Cast Rally Behind On-Screen Sibling Banter
After the episode aired, Maudsley took to Instagram to share a playful selfie with his on-screen sister, Jodie Prenger, who is 46. In the charming photo, he rests his cheek on her head as they both smile for the camera.
His caption read: "So Glenda's 50 and George is 60! These Corrie writers clearly hate us because neither of us looks a day over 28!! #Corrie."
The post prompted immediate and affectionate responses from the Coronation Street family. Gareth Pierce, who plays Todd, commented: "This is a hate crime!" alongside love-struck emojis. Daniel Brocklebank (Billy Mayhew) chimed in with: "Happy 80th darling x", while former co-star Catherine Tyldesley (Eva Price) simply gushed: "My faves xxx."
Fans were equally supportive in the comments, with one writing: "Lovely photo of you both! Best on-screen siblings ever", and another agreeing: "Two ages that both of you are nowhere near obviously."
George Shuttleworth's Growing Family
George's world expanded in 2022 with the arrival of his sister Glenda, a former cruise ship entertainer who quickly became a fan favourite. The pair's close and often humorous sibling bond has been a highlight of recent storylines. The character of Glenda, brought to life by actress and singer Jodie Prenger, has won over viewers with her vibrant personality and clear devotion to her brother.
Coronation Street continues to air three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, on ITV and the ITVX streaming service.
