Tony Maudsley is best known for his role as George Shuttleworth on Coronation Street and away from the soap he lives a far less dramatic life
Joe Crutchley Screen Time Reporter
10:49, 28 Mar 2026
Coronation Street George actor’s life from his family to heartbreak over co-star’s death
Tony Maudsley is a beloved figure on Coronation Street – but what do we know about his life off the set?
Tony joined the ITV soap in 2020, portraying George Shuttleworth, the son of the late funeral director Archie (Roy Hudd). Since then, he’s won over viewers and has been involved in numerous major plotlines.
Off-screen, actor Tony leads a far less dramatic life. Here, we delve into the accomplished star’s personal world.
Tony’s Hollywood Stardom
In addition to Corrie, Tony has featured in Queer As Folk, Emmerdale and also starred in the popular ITV sitcom Benidorm, playing hairdresser Kenneth Du Beke from 2011 to 2018.
Moreover, Tony made an appearance in the Harry Potter series in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, portraying Hagrid’s half-brother, Gawp.
Reflecting on his time in Harry Potter, Tony remarked: “It was one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever done. I was weighed down with these huge monster feet that were so heavy, that I could never get into the canteen and back in time.”
Tony also shared screen space with Johnny Depp in the film Sleepy Hollow – but had an awkward encounter with the Hollywood icon. He revealed to 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’s private family life
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Tony regularly keeps his devoted following of 77,000 Instagram fans informed about his daily activities. Earlier this year, he offered supporters an uncommon glimpse into his personal world when he posted multiple pictures of his beloved dog following a grooming session.
He wrote alongside the post: “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!)”
And in March, Tony honoured his seldom-seen mother after sharing a photograph of them together for Mother’s Day. In the image, Tony appeared delighted standing next to his mum. He wrote with the post: “Happy Mother’s Day from me and mine.”
Tony’s grief following tragic loss
In January 2024, Tony expressed his devastation after his friend Michael McGarrigle – who collaborated with Tony on ITV’s Benidorm – had died.
Tony initially requested assistance from his followers to locate costume supervisor Michael who had disappeared, but days afterwards he confirmed the tragic news that Michael had passed away.
Posting a photo with Michael, Tony shared a heartfelt tribute to his mate: “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.”
In addition to Benidorm, Michael served as the costume supervisor on programmes such as Prisoners Wives Maternal, The Larkins, DCI Banks, Whitechapel, Mrs Biggs, Annika and The Fear. He was also the 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
Coronation Street’s Megan Walsh was interviewed by police on Thursday’s episode of the world’s longest-running TV soap and things are not looking good for the predatory teacher
Megan has been having a relationship with her student Will on Coronation Street(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street aired a series of dark scenes on Thursday night as various truths about Megan Walsh began to emerge.
For months, the teacher, played by Beth Nixon, has been at the heart of a controversial storyline in which she has been carrying out an illicit relationship with her student Will Driscoll.
While all this has been going on, Megan, who was introduced as the teenager’s private athletics coach, has started up a fake relationship with Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard) although she is pregnant with Will’s baby. Will’s schoolmate Sam, who is in the year below, was the only one to have worked it out but when Megan started threatening him about, he turned to pills to cope and then experienced an overdose. Things were only made worse when Megan became a flatmate of Sam’s stepmum Leanne, worming her way into their lives further.
Coming out with the same old story, she said: “He is a teenage boy who has a crush on me. Probably not the first, probably not the last. Believe me, I haven’t done anything wrong. This is every teacher’s worst nightmare. I’m in complete shock, to be honest. Maybe I overstepped by getting too close to them.
“But that doesn’t mean that I’m grooming their son. I… I became a teacher to give something back, not to… I can’t even say it. It makes me feel sick….” Megan and her lawyer Adam Barlow pointed out that there was no evidence as yet, but DC Kit Green revealed that they had some footage of her and Will together in her flat. This was all a result of Sam’s ill-fated attempt to catch them on camera, only for Megan to realise and stage a performance to cover things up.
Kit warned: ” It’s not looking good, is it, Megan? I think the CPS will agree!” Later on, it became apparent that Megan had been released and she returned home only to find Leanne throwing her possessions out of the upstairs window. A furious Leanne yelled: “I’m putting the rubbish out!” But Megan pleaded: “Oh, Leanne, please, I don’t need this after the day I’ve just had. I’ve already been suspended from work.”
Leanne shot back: “Well, if it was to me, I’d suspend you from that lamppost!” She launched a suitcase out the window and Megan was left with no choice but to pack up her belongings after it bust open and its contents spilled out across the cobbles and Leanne slammed the window shut, effectively making her homeless.
That afternoon, Eva (Catherine Tyldesley) and Ben, who had worked out that Megan and Will had spent his sixteenth birthday together in bed at the Chariot Square, raced to the hotel to see if they could get CCTV footage of that date but, conveniently, the footage had been wiped at midnight, owing to an automatic 90-day setting.
It was then that Eva brought up she something she had been holding back – that Megan had supposedly had an abortion some months ago.
But Megan herself never confirmed this, and Leanne had just happened to come across some pregnancy vitamins in a bedside drawer, prompting the distraught family to realise that she could still be expecting. Realising they could be onto something, Eva said: “If she has lied, then all the evidence we need is growing right there in her belly.”
A deadly Coronation Street blaze will reportedly tear through Roy’s Rolls soon, causing the iconic set to burn down with the stunt apparently leaving a beloved character in danger
16:58, 19 Mar 2026Updated 16:58, 19 Mar 2026
A deadly Coronation Street blaze will reportedly tear through Roy’s Rolls soon(Image: ITV)
There could be a shocking blaze on Coronation Street very soon, with a famous part of the set thought to be destroyed.
Reports claim Roy’s Rolls, the iconic café owned by Roy Cropper, will be burned down in a cruel arson attack in upcoming scenes. Not only that but as the blaze spreads, it could leave poor Roy in serious danger.
It’s claimed Roy will be left fighting for his life in the incident. with the building said to be be burnt down. As the battle to save Roy commences, the legend will apparently be rushed to hospital.
But who would want to target Roy or his business, and will Roy be okay? According to sources, Roy will be seen trapped in the blaze in scenes that will air onscreen in April.
According to The Sun, it sparks questions about whether Roy was targeted and why the café was set alight. A source told the publication: “Roy’s Rolls is targeted by a mystery fires tarter who breaks in and douses the cafe with petrol whilst Roy sleeps upstairs in his flat.
“When residents spot smoke coming out of the windows, emergency services are called. As the fire rages and people realise Roy is trapped inside the race is on to get him out alive.
“Will Roy be rescued in time, and what about his precious collection of railway memorabilia and memories of Hayley? Is this the end of Roy’s Rolls as we know it, and who wanted to burn down the iconic cafe?”
The Mirror has reached out to an ITV spokesperson for comment. It comes ahead of a murder plot taking place in April that sees one of five villains killed off. Jodie Ramsey, Megan Walsh, Carl Webster, Theo Silverton and Maggie Driscoll are all at risk.
The death plot will then spark a whodunnit before fans find out who has killed them and why. Some fans already think they have worked out who the killer is and who the victim will be.
It’s left fans fearing a popular character is about to depart the show in the plot. They think Eva Price, who only came back to the show in October last year, could bow out in a killer twist.
With teacher Megan exposed for grooming young student Will for sex, Will’s stepmother Eva Price vowed she would pay for her crimes. Now, fans have wondered if Eva will kill Megan as she takes revenge, but would Eva really turn killer?
Coronation Street spoilers for next week see residents catching onto two different villains, both of whom are potential victims in the murder twist next month on the ITV soap
Coronation Street spoilers for next week see residents catching onto two different villains(Image: ITV)
Two potential murder victims take centre stage on Coronation Street next week, with their lies rumbled.
Recently viewers were told one of five villains would be killed off in April. It will be Jodie Ramsey, Carl Webster, Theo Silverton, Megan Walsh or Maggie Driscoll.
Now, new spoilers for next week could suggest it will be one of two villains. Secrets are exposed next week it seems, with motives and suspects set up for two of the five potential victims.
Theo and Megan both come under the spotlight next week, as Theo’s abusive behaviour looks set to be rumbled. In the fallout to Megan being rumbled this week, next week sees more than one resident desperate for her to face justice.
Theo places himself up there as a firm favourite to die for sure. Not only does he dash Todd’s marathon hopes in a cruel plan, but he then springs a surprise wedding on him, trying to trap him for good.
His mask soon slips though and it’s not long before a character possibly unearths his vile and abusive behaviour. So does next week place him at the top of the list of who dies in April?
Our soap insider teases: “Theo cruelly sabotages Todd’s martathon prep, before heading to the event and pretending Todd has already gone. When Todd realises he’s missed the marathon he’s gutted, and seemingly unaware of Theo’s part in it.
“Todd’s friends are disappointed too, and he fears he’s let them down. All the while, a smug Theo shows off his medal, before offering a disappointed Todd a shoulder to cry on. Seemignly Theo’s plan to reel Todd back in after their split drama has worked.”
Later in the week we see George Shuttleworth suggesting to Todd that Theo isn’t good for him. It’s clear he’s not keen and soon he’s deasperate to keep Theo on side, despite Theo’s attempts to win him back around.
Our insider said: “Theo tries to paint himself as a changed man to George and Christina. George seems taken by his claims but when Theo leaves, he admits he’s doing it so that Theo doesn’t know about his suspicions.”
Those suspicions raise though when George visits the flat and overhears Theo shouting abuse at Todd. “Theo returns from a run after more drama with Todd,” shares our insider.
“Clearly in a mood, he thinks Todd is in the bathroom and begins shouting abusive comments through the door. He’s left exposed though when George emerges from the room, having heard everything.”
So will this be the moment Theo is rumbled and could it lead to Theo being killed off? Another character whose game is well and truly up is child groomer Megan.
This week sees her exposed for abusing teen Will Driscoll, and next week his whole family, and her partner Daniel Osbourne, want to get to the bottom of what’s happened. After the news that she is pregnant but is refusing a DNA test, they want to know whether Will could be the baby’s father.
Our insider said: “Will’s dad Ben calls the family together to discuss the baby, but Will soon leaps to Megan’s defence, in denial and still trying to cover for her. Maggie loses it though, and tensions simmer with Ben hopeful that Will might attend counselling, and that he might expose what really happened with Megan.
“Towards the end of the week, Daniel urges teen Sam Blakeman to speak to the police and share everything he knows about the grooming. After all, it was Sam who initially figured out what was going on only to be threatened by teacher Megan.
“Sam is very paranoid, while it’s clear Daniel is hurt and then there’s the Driscolls who are reeling from recent events. So what are the chances that one of these characters will go too far in their bid to expose Megan, and could she be the one who dies?”
The Crown star James Murray started off his acting career on ITV soap Coronation Street but the experience left him terrified
10:34, 15 Mar 2026Updated 10:35, 15 Mar 2026
James Murray kick started his acting career in Coronation Street(Image: ITV)
James Murray has revealed why he won’t return to Coronation Street after just three episodes.
The actor shared that he featured in three episodes of the ITV soap when speaking to Alan Titchmarsh on Love Your Weekend on Sunday (March 15).
When asked to share who he played in the long-running serial drama, James told the ITV host he was Sandy the barman many years ago.
He commented: “I was Jack and Vera’s barman for about three episodes, it was a frightening experience.
“No good at the job! Thankfully, I think I was contracted for three episodes, so I was in and out, but it was so frightening because Bill Tarmey, who played Jack, was a wonderful man.
“You know how those things are filmed, it’s very quick. It’s like a sausage factory! There’s not much time for creative input from the actors, shall we say. You just stand on your mark, say your line, and we move on.
“That was my first introduction into the world of acting, screen acting. I walked into the Rovers, and I was absolutely petrified!
“The bright lights, I overlearned my lines, and I was just a mess. I was shaking and sweating.”
James recalled how Bill was polishing some glass during their scene together and noticed how nervous he was.
The actor added: “He [Bill] went, ‘You’re shaking like a leaf, son, either stop shaking or think of doing something else’.
“After that stint on Corrie, I said I don’t want to be an actor, or I don’t want to be an actor like this, because it was so frightening to me!
“Being thrown into the lion’s den, first off. I then went and did theatre and other things, but yeah, never again. My hat goes off to the way they act in those shows because it’s so quick.”
Luckily, it wasn’t enough to turn him off of acting completely as James has gone on to star in many well known shows. Recently, he appeared as Raef Lonsdale in the 2025 BBC drama series Wild Cherry, one of the more villainous characters in the show.
While speaking to Alan Titchmarsh he joked he ‘can’t remember’ the last time he didn’t play an evil character, admitting it may have something to do with his eyebrows.
Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh is available to watch on Saturdays on ITV from 9:30am
For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.
Coronation Street’s Megan Walsh will finally be exposed in upcoming scenes on the ITV soap, leaving Eva Price and her entire family shaken when they discover what she has been doing
Eva Price will make a shock discovery about her stepson on Coronation Street
Coronation Street‘s Megan Walsh will finally be exposed in upcoming scenes on the ITV soap. The teacher, played by Beth Nixon, has been carrying out an illicit affair with her student Will Driscoll as part of a controversial storyline on the ITV soap.
Will arrived with his family last October to move into the Rovers Return, and it was quickly established that Megan was his athletics coach but there was a lot more to it than just that. Megan eventually moved to Weatherfield, got a job at the local secondary school and has even started up a relationship with Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard) as a cover-up.
Megan’s flatmate Leanne also looks set to weigh in on the harrowing situation, as her own stespon Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan) has worked out what his going on between Will and Megan, and has received multiple threats from the villainous teacher. After the bombshell scenes, this will also leave Daniel wondering where he stands as he potentially comes to realise that his entire relationship was a lie.
Just weeks ago, Corrie aired a flashforward episode that revealed that Megan is one of five potential murder victims, along with fellow villains Jodie Ramsey, Carl Webster, Maggie Driscoll, and Theo Silverton. So will this all lead to the ultimate downfall for Megan or will the teacher actually face prison time for her crimes?
Coronation Street boss Kate Brookes recently explained that she the story was a “very important” one to tell. She said: “It’s a very important story to tell and we want to be as truthful as possible. As part of that story Sam will end up getting embroiled in it all.
“Sam is semi-related to the pub family and he potentially gets wind that something’s amiss. We will see the lengths that Megan will go to manipulate Sam into keeping quiet. It’ll be massively detrimental to Sam’s wellbeing.”
Meanwhile, for actress Beth Nixon, Coronation Street marks her television debut but she had actually auditioned for other parts on the soap before landing the role of Megan. Speaking to York College, Beth shared that the casting team had seen Beth in several shows at her drama school: the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester, so she was “kind of on their radar.”
Revealing her past audition history, Beth explained: “But I’d auditioned for Corrie twice before – as a baddie both times of course – including for the role of Lauren.” Actress Cait Fitton ended up being cast as Lauren, making her debut in 2022, and has remained on the show since.
Beth added: “Then, earlier this year, my agent sent me a casting brief and explained it was for a paedophile, which is a bit crazy to play because they’re obviously not a redeemable character, so they can push it pretty far.” After sending a self-tape Beth attended a chemistry test with other actors who were being considered to play Will. She then performed a scene on the set at The Bistro – and it turned out the bosses were rather impressed with her.
Beth – who was working as a skin clinic manager before joining Corrie – said: “I was at work when my agent called me. I was upstairs as my colleague watched the desk and, when he told me I’d got it, everybody in the clinic could hear me screaming my head off and then I cried, because it’s been four years since I graduated and this is my first TV role.
“It’s been a hard time and I was really close to quitting, having a normal job and pursuing a different career, so this just came at exactly the right time and when I needed it.”
The soaps are lining up some big twists next week according to new spoilers, with exits teased and new discoveries across Emmerdale, EastEnders, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks
The soaps are lining up some big twists next week according to new spoilers(Image: ITV)
The soaps feature major twists next week that could impact the future of some favourite characters.
Emmerdale will air a big confession, and the fallout could lead to the exit of three characters. Coronation Street is also hinting at exits, as some secrets may be exposed and one villain teases they are leaving Weatherfield for good.
Over on EastEnders, there’s a discovery about one newcomer, and Bea takes worrying action against another Walford resident. As for Hollyoaks, there’s a sibling twist and prison breakout plan.
Finally Home and Away is lining up a reunion and some worrying health news. Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.Click here to activateor add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Bear loses control and lies to DS Walsh that he killed Ray on purpose in a bid to protect Paddy. Paddy’s devastated, fearing his dad will get a life sentence. It leads to Paddy and Dylan agreeing to confess to their part in Ray’s death cover-up, and the events prior.
They’re told they will be charged with perverting the course of justice, and the family soon realise that finding a witness to confirm it was Ray’s intent to kill Dylan could back their self-defence claim. Elsewhere, Kim’s vulnerable with Lydia as she vows to keep her heart closed off to Graham.
Joe is fed up by Graham’s attempts to turn him off Kim, while Kim presses Joe until he makes an admission. Also next week, Jacob’s struggling with his placement and Dr. Todd’s mentorship programme but is left shattered by Dr. Todd’s brutal notes.
Kerry and Jai continue to keep their fling a secret, but Eric soon realises something could be going on. When Mary offers her advice, will he listen? Finally next week, Isaac is upset as he fears his dad Cain will die from cancer, while Cain is preoccupied in his search for farm land.
Coronation Street
Nina’s worried about Sam’s behaviour, and soon things worsen when he collapses on the pavement. He’s rushed to hospital, and when Leanne gently suggests that his exams weren’t the only reason he resorted to taking drugs, he considers confessing all.
As Sam’s family rally around him, will the walls close in on Megan? Soon, Megan’s past comes back to haunt her as a shock discovery rocks the Driscolls, and Daniel wants answers.
Lisa quizzes Kit about the attack on Mal, but he gives nothing away. When Lisa reveals a witness has come forward, Kit masks his unease before ambushing them at the station and it seems he could be exposed.
Later, Lisa reveals that Mal has regained consciousness, so Kit visits him in hospital and questions him about the attack. Some news from Adam leaves Alya forcing a smile while a data breach leaves them panicking, as residents fume. George despairs over the continuing smear campaign targeting the undertakers.
Todd’s upset to see Theo with another man, leading to Glenda urging Todd to get back on the dating scene, but how will Theo react? Later on, Theo tells Todd he’s thinking of accepting a job in Belfast as it’ll be best for both of them to have a clean break. But things take a sinister turn when he drugs Todd’s drink.
EastEnders
Peter organises a surprise for Lauren, while Max soon finds himself at loggerheads with his family and leaves. With Max away, Mark offers Lauren a business proposition with the promise of luxury cars, but she has no idea of Mark’s criminal motives.
Later, Lauren gets off to a good start as she successfully sells one of Mark’s cars, but Max is suspicious about the paperwork. Soon Callum drops some news that leads to Lauren confronting Mark.
Johnny remains distant with Linda, while she’s caught in the middle when Bea clashes with Elaine. Soon, Linda is on the receiving end of some crossed words from Max. Soon Max and Linda get closer, with Max stepping in to support her, but a shocking discovery leaves Linda reeling.
Meanwhile, when Bea’s credit card application is rejected she sets one up in Honey’s name. Later in the week, Billy, Janet and Will arrive home without Honey, and Billy’s left concerned about Bea’s obsession with his family.
Jean returns to Walford, and she and Zoe put aside their differences. Sandra arrives and is asking questions about Jasmine, with Kim and Denise discovering she is the adoptive mother of Jasmine’s twin brother Josh.
It’s not long before Josh arrives. When he finds out Zoe is also there, he insists he wants nothing to do with his mum. He does seem keen to get to know his grandfather Patrick though, while he also catches Oscar’s eye.
There’s also drama when Suki finds out about Penny and Vinny’s baby news. Penny tells Suki that she and Vinny are having their baby, with or without her blessing.
Hollyoaks
Dillon tells Vicky his plan to break Lucas out of prison so they can run away together. Later, he confides in her sister Gemma that Vicky is taking weight loss injections. Meanwhile, Rex, James and Froggy form an alliance to help Lucas, who is keen to serve his time.
Also next week, Theresa offers to help Mercedes track down her mystery new man, but is shocked by his identity. Soon, Warren drives out to the woods and opens his boot to reveal Jenson tied up.
There’s a shock when Jenson claims he’s Warren’s brother, leading to Warren attacking him before heading off to find proof. While alone, Jenson suffers an asthma attack.
Diane tells Tony she is determined to make the most of her time with her family after her cancer diagnosis. When the teens bunk off from school, Ant apologises to Trina, while Kathleen-Angel upsets him before they end up sleeping together. Ste returns from his holiday, while Dom is left hurt after being tricked by the teens and Rex struggles to open up to Ste.
Home and Away
Remi notices he’s experiencing pins and needles in his hands after a recent seizure following his brain tumour diagnosis. Eden’s devastated by some news, and soon she finds out Cash has lied to her. It’s up to Remi to tell her the truth to explain everything, before he agrees to speak with a neurosurgeon.
Marilyn shares her concerns with Alf that she could have done more to stop Leah leaving, while Leah’s furious over Justin’s ultimatum. Leah ends up staying, and she and Justin reconcile.
Mali has a warning for Lacey about Holden, while Kerrie won’t stop calling Harper before she takes a damning revenge on Tane with a drugs lie. When Tane is questioned by police, he’s aware the drugs were planted by Kerrie, but can he prove it? Also next week, Dana helps Sonny settle into the rehabilitation clinic, only for him to end their relationship.
Home and Away is available to stream from 6am weekdays, with double bill episodes airing from 6pm on 5Star.Hollyoaks is available to stream on Channel 4’s streaming service now, while it also airs Mondays to Wednesdays on E4 at 7PM.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Sam Aston has played Chesney Brown on Coronation Street for several years and the star has two actor siblings who have also set foot on the cobbles
Joe Crutchley Screen Time Reporter
16:30, 06 Mar 2026Updated 16:31, 06 Mar 2026
Coronation Street Sam Aston’s real-life sibling is soap co-star and fans are gobsmacked(Image: ITV)
Sam Aston is a Coronation Street legend playing Chesney Brown and it turns out talent runs in his family.
Actor Sam shot to fame when he was just 10 years old playing Chesney on the ITV soap.
He made his debut in 2003, rocking up to the cobbles as the son of Cilla Battersby-Brown (Wendi Peters) and the half-brother of Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine).
Like many child stars, the actor grew up on the show and has had a series of intense storylines including being held hostage, constantly getting dumped and becoming a father of five.
Sam has gone down a treat with Corrie fans over the years. So much so, that he bagged an award of Best Newcomer at the National Television Awards in 2004.
He also picked up Best Dramatic Performance for a Young Actor at the British Soap Awards the following year.
And it turns out soap stardom runs in his family, as his brother Joseph is also a soap star.
Joseph was the second actor to play Tommy Duckworth, the grandson of iconic characters Jack and Vera Duckworth, back in 2000. Also, Sam’s other brother Thomas is an actor and has appeared in episodes of Casualty and The Bill.
What’s more, Sam’s sister Emily, also appeared on Coronation Street back in the nineties. She played Becky Palmer on the ITV soap, between 1996 and 1997 in 51 episodes. Since then, she’s gone on to star in the likes of BBC soap Doctors, This Is England ‘88 and Hollyoaks.
Reacting to Sam’s sister’s stint on Corrie, fans have been left floored. On a Corrie Facebook fan page, one person said: “Wow!! The girl that played Becky (daughter of one of Des’ girlfriends) is actually Chesneys (Sam Aston) real sister!!.”
Someone else said: “Spit of each other aint they.” A third agreed and wrote: “Now you said you can see it wow.” Another person chimed in and proclaimed: “U can tell!!!” A fifth penned: “Shes so like him.”
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In 2023, Sam opened up on how his soap star siblings have helped him on the soap, in particular with his character being a dad-of-five. Speaking to The Mirror and other press, he said: “Because I grew up in a big family anyway, l’ve always been used to the chaos.”
He added: “I’ve got five sisters, three brothers. So I’m used to a lot of people being around in the house and children and all sorts. So it’s not as crazy as it sounds. I don’t think it’s as crazy as what it could be when you initially think there’s four babies on set.
“I think it’s harder if anything when there’s newborns and we were brand new to it. Because I’ve got two kids myself, maybe I am a bit more calm in that situation.”
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
Audrey made her debut on the cobbles back in 1979, where she was introduced as the mum of Gail Platt (Helen Worth).
The character has been involved in several huge storylines over the years, including her tumultuous love life, family drama, and mental health struggles. Audrey notably escaped serial killer Richard Hillman (Brian Capron), and was in a relationship with reformed con-man Lewis Archer (Nigel Havers), as well as battling with depression and alcoholism.
Audrey also got married to Alf Roberts (Bryan Mosley) in 1985, before his tragic death in 1999. Similar to her character, actor Sue has also been through her fair share of heartbreak, following the death of her co-star husband Mark Eden.
Mark was best known for his role as villain Alan Bradley in Corrie – a role he played from 1986 to 1989. Alan’s storyline began when he visited Weatherfield to reconcile with his long-lost daughter, Jenny (Sally Ann Matthews), following the death of her mother and his ex-wife Pat.
Alan soon moved in with Jenny and her foster mother, Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox), who he eventually fell in love with. However, the romantic bliss didn’t last very long.
Alan notably defrauded Rita by forging her signature to mortgage her house for his business, Weatherfield Security Systems. He was also abusive, and cheated on Rita with Gloria Todd (Sue Jenkins). The character’s villainous streak came to an end when he was fatally hit by a Blackpool tram while chasing Rita back in 1989.
Away from the cobbles, actor Sue claimed to have experienced love at first sight after meeting co-star Mark at a fashion party in 1983. The couple were married from 1993 until Mark’s death in 2021 at the age of 92. The actor had been living with Alzheimer’s disease “for some time”.
Tributes quickly flooded in for the beloved star, following his death. John Whiston, the former managing director of continuing drama and head of ITV Studios in the north, previously said in a statement: “We are all hugely saddened to hear of the death of Mark Eden.
“The character he played, Alan Bradley, made a real impact in the three years he was in the show, embarking on a reign of terror and clashing with just about every other character in Coronation Street. He was a consummate actor and played the role of psychotic villain to a tee, making the character both chilling and credible.
“The show owes Mark a great deal as he set the template for all the great villains to come, from Hillman to [Pat] Phelan to our latest baddie, Geoff Metcalfe. It’s a fantastic dramatic legacy. Our thoughts go out to Sue and their family and friends at this sad time.”
Audrey hasn’t been seen on screen in recent months, sparking serious concern from fans. The ITV soap offered an update on the beloved character last week.
During a recent episode (February 26), Audrey’s granddaughter, Sarah (Tina O’Brien), spoke to her mum on the phone, confirming that Audrey was on holiday. Fans will surely be devastated by the update, as they hope to see Audrey back in the salon soon.
Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and STV, and Coronation Street airs weekday nights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and STV as part of ITV’s new soap power hour scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale
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Fans of Emmerdale and Coronation Street were not impressed to hear yet again the soaps had been cancelled by ITV in favour of sports coverage, leading to a plea to bosses
10:26, 06 Mar 2026Updated 10:27, 06 Mar 2026
Fans of the soaps have once again been dealt a blow, as there’s no Emmerdale or Coronation Street on Friday(Image: ITV)
Fans of the soaps have once again been dealt a blow, as there’s no Emmerdale or Coronation Street on Friday on ITVX or ITV1.
The soaps have once again been shelved by ITV in favour of sports coverage. It’s sparked fury amongst soap fans who had been promised five days a week of the soaps from January.
Not only that, but most weeks the ‘missing episodes’ never end up being replaced, leaving fans annoyed. This time, it’s the rugby coverage again, while soon it will no doubt be more football that takes the shows off air.
Time and time again viewers have pleaded with bosses to make a change so that fans do not miss out. A suggestion was that the episodes could still drop on ITVX, or sports could be moved elsewhere given ITV as a number of channels.
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Taking to social media, fans called out the move once more annoyed that another Friday would see both soaps dropped in favour of sports. A fan said: “What again !! This is happening way too often.”
Another agreed: “Why can’t rugby go on ITV3?” as a third said: “Exactly! Or they could at least still put the Corrie episode on ITVX.” Another fan said: “This really annoys me when this happens.”
A fan then asked: “When will the missing episodes of Corrie and Emmerdale due to sport on Friday be shown?” The answer is never, as the filming of the episodes would have been planned around the ‘cancellations’, while in future there will no doubt be episodes airing on different days.
It’s happened quite often since January, with fans having fumed about it before this week too. A fan said: “Why can’t the footy and rugby be put on another channel, we always miss out , so unfair!!!”
A fan added: “Never mind the loyal supporters of soaps so just take them off for sport.” Another fan commented: “They’re at it again taking Corrie off two nights this week and not making the time up Why oh why do they that? ITV has four channels plus ITVX so why not put football on one of their other channels and leave Corrie alone?” Other fans disagreed with the comments, suggesting it wasn’t a big deal, but soap fans would beg to differ!
Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard, who was diagnosed with the early stages of breast cancer, says she is trying to “disguise what she is going through” to appear on a red carpet
21:45, 03 Mar 2026Updated 21:53, 03 Mar 2026
Corrie legend Beverley Callard has admitted her fear of red carpets has only got worse since her cancer diagnosis(Image: Instagram)
The soap legend has been keeping fans up to date regularly, but after taking some much-needed time away from social media to spend time with her husband, she returned with another candid post on Tuesday evening, where she sadly explained she is trying to “disguise” any signs of her illness as she prepares to step in front of the cameras again to promote a project.
Beverley, who has been married to Jon McEwan since 2010, said: “Hi. An update. I’ve not posted for the last couple of days because to be honest, I’m just really tired, I’m rubbish at the moment. But also, a lot of your messages have been so great and lots of them said ‘Just take a bit of time for you!’ So I’ve done that and it was good for Jon and I just to have some quiet time because, obviously, it gets to him, just as much as me.
“Anyway, today has been a good day. I’ve had more energy and I actually went and had my nails done today, which was quite nice. But I was exhausted when I came back not doing anything!
“Another thing I wanted to talk about was…I have to, hopefully, go back to work on Sunday and Monday, just for two days but it’s to do promotion for a job that I filmed last year, a few months ago and I’ve got the most worrying thing. It’s a bit of a red carpet do and anybody who knows me knows I hate those things.”
The star, who recently signed up to appear in the Irish soap Fair City and was preparing to film her first scenes when doctors informed her she had cancer, insisted that she “loves” everything about being an actress apart from the publicity side of things and admitted that her fears have got “even worse” since her diagnosis.
She said: “I love my job, I love learning lines, I love creating a character but standing posing on a red carpet is my worst nightmare. But now [it’s] even worse because I feel lopsided.
“I’ve just had to have a lady come to alter a dress that I’m thinking about wearing, and try and disguise what I’m going through at the moment so I’m even more nervous about it.
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“I know loads of people will think ‘Ooh, red carpet, and getting all dressed up…’ I prefer being dressed like this, but there you go! I’m nervous and anxious about that, and I’m trying to prepare.” Beverley
“The other thing is that I’ve got the hospital again in the morning and hopefully I will find out tomorrow if I have to have a second procedure, that’s at 9am, so I’ll know more about where I stand then but I’m sending loads of love, and thank you for the love you’re sending me.”
The update comes just days after Beverley tearfully revealed she was struggling following her surgery. The Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star told her followers: “Full disclosure, it’s a week today since my operation and I woke up this morning and I put yesterday’s clothes on – which were dropped on the floor last night when I went to bed.
I I’ve not cleaned my teeth, I’ve not combed my hair. I can’t answer my phone because if somebody says a kind word to me, I just cry.”
And I’m so absolutely, absolutely rubbish today and I’ve been like that all day. I’m really tired, I keep feeling a bit queasy but I’ve no idea why. And I just thought, ‘oh well I’m not going to post anything today because I don’t want to make people feel miserable’ – but maybe you are feeling the same.”
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.
