Coronation Street airs major change for George Shuttleworth story in latest episode

Coronation Street has aired a major change of heart from George Shuttleworth tonight, amid his recent business woes. After losing his legal battle with disgruntled customer Annie, the undertaker felt forced to sell up – but the local community proved they weren’t ready to see him go.

Last week’s episodes provided another devastating blow to George, as a judge upheld Annie’s false claims against him, and ordered him to pay back the money he supposedly owed her. With no new customers coming in, George despaired over how he would cover the legal fees of both parties and considered selling his beloved business.

In tonight’s instalment, George glumly informed his sister Glenda that he was meeting with Rupert Copely from rival business RestEasy. He lamented that would have no choice but to accept Rupert’s low offer to buy the undertakers, given his mounting financial struggles.

At Shuttleworth’s, Rupert gloated about finally acquiring his “white whale”, with George begging him to pay “what [the business is] worth” rather than lowballing him.

“You’re more than welcome to hold out for a better offer, but I didn’t see a queue outside,” Rupert countered.

Just as the pair were about to shake hands on the deal, Glenda and Christina Boyd burst in with a crowd of loyal customers, all there to remind George of his impact.

“George, you can’t sell. Your father organised my mother’s funeral and you oversaw the most beautiful services for my sister and husband. I know that when my time comes, I want you to be the man who comforts my children,” said one, before the others each recalled their own positive experiences.

George was clearly grateful for their impassioned speeches, but regretfully told them he didn’t have any other option but to sell. However, after hearing Rupert’s cold approach to funeral directing, George furiously told his rival the deal was off.

“You are everything that is wrong with this world. You’d rather tap on a screen than just talk to someone, listen to them, empathise,” he raged, adding: “Hamsters get better send-offs than RestEasy provides.”

The group celebrated as Rupert made his exit, with Glenda telling George that their dad would be “proud” of him. But will his reputation be enough to save the business?