Coronation Street star Tony Maudsley has confirmed George Shuttleworth’s future on the ITV soap amid huge changes.

Taking to social media site X/Twitter, Tony announced that he is set to continue playing the local undertaker until at least July 2026.

‘That’s George serving (and burying) the good folk of Weatherfield till at least July 2026. Happy days!’ He wrote, alongside a photo of the character in the Rovers.

Fans were thrilled by the news, with many taking to the replies to share their joy.

‘Yeyyy! Congratulations Tony,’ one said, while another added: ‘Huge congratulations, Tony! Absolutely love George he’s one of my favourite characters.’

‘It will be interesting to see how George is without his Eileen around but of course he’ll be ok and still has Todd/lots of friends so looking forward to the next year,’ a third mused.

The news of George staying put on the cobbles comes amid significant cast changes, as well as cuts to the ITV soap.

On-screen partner Eileen Grimshaw is soon set to depart, as Sue Cleaver leaves her role after 25 years.

Actor Tony is entering his fifth year on the show, and it has certainly been a dramatic tenure.

His on and off relationship with Eileen has captured fans hearts, and his feud with sister Glenda Shuttleworth (Jodie Prenger) over her inheritance caused plenty of tension.

He is now set to stay with the ITV soap as it undergoes huge changes in early 2026.

Both Coronation Street and Emmerdale are set to cut back to five episodes a week, each one 30 minutes long.

With Emmerdale set to air at 8pm, followed by Corrie at 8.30pm, there is set to be what bosses are calling a ‘soap power hour’ every weeknight.

The changes have been inspired by research into audience viewing habits, and are set to result in job losses behind the scenes across both soaps.

To mark the schedule change, bosses have teased an enormous stunt at the beginning of 2026.