TONY MAUDSLEY’S HIDDEN PAST REVEALED: THE SECRET ROLE YOU NEVER SAW COMING!

Coronation Street’s Tony Maudsley reveals first stint in ITV soap to surprised fans

It was long before he became much-loved for playing George Shuttleworth in the ITV soap

Coronation Street star Tony Maudsley has revealed his first stint on the famous cobbles, long before he became much-loved for playing George Shuttleworth.

Tony made his debut as the character back in 2020, when he was revealed to be the son of Archie Shuttleworth, a local undertaker who ran Shuttleworth’s Independent Funeral Directors on Tile Street, which George took over following his father’s passing.

He was later joined in Weatherfield by his sister, Glenda Shuttleworth, and has more recently struck up a relationship with Christina Boyd following the exit of his ex, Eileen Grimshaw.

It was back in March that Tony was seen raising a glass of fizz as he confirmed his time on the cobbles had been extended for another year.

Sharing a picture of him looking dapper in a shirt and suit jacket as he beamed for the camera with a glass in hand, the soap star told his followers: “New contract? Cheers Corrie, don’t mind if I do. (I bit their hand off!)Can’t wait to see what’s around the corner for George (aside from more corpses).”

Now, the soap star has given fans a look at his first-ever appearance on Corrie, much to their surprise. Taking to Instagram, Tony, who is also known for his role in ITV sitcom Benidorm, shared pictures from his previous appearance and told fans: “Corrie – the first time round….31 years ago!!”

And fans were quick to respond. @gatlishmatt said: “Wonderful to see. Thanks for sharing. You haven’t aged a bit. Love you being in Corrie now.” @black_country_dave replied: “Wow! A walk down memory lane! As always, you play your character brilliantly.

@lynneashton01 wrote: “Oh wow. You haven’t changed that much to be honest.” @nancyfielding asked: “Ooooh what were you up to with Alec Gilroy?” @yazzrea added: “We love George so much !! Never leave. He’s the best character.”

Tony’s acting career started in film when he landed a role in, A Life for a Life, in 1998 where he played the part of Stefan Kiszko. But fans may not know that he also bagged a major role when he appeared in Harry Potter’s fifth blockbuster instalment, The Order of the Phoenix. Tony played Hagrid’s giant half-brother, Grawp, whom he brought back from his travels.

Not only that, Tony has a small link to Johnny Depp after they both appeared in the film Sleepy Hollow. “Very early on in my career, I worked with Johnny Depp on the film Sleepy Hollow,” he revealed to Inside Soap. “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. I appeared in Vanity Fair with Reese Witherspoon too. It’s been a pretty lovely career!”