A Blast From the Past

Coronation Street star Tony Maudsley has taken fans on a nostalgic journey, sharing a throwback to his early acting days on Brookside. The Channel 4 soap, affectionately called “Brookie,” aired from 1982 to 2003 and is returning for a special crossover episode with Hollyoaks to mark its 30th anniversary.

The tribute promises to honor creator Sir Phil Redmond and bring back fan-favorite characters, including Ricky Tomlinson as Bobby Grant and Sue Johnston as Sheila Grant. For fans, the special is both a celebration of the past and a chance to see familiar faces reunite on screen.

Tony’s Coronation Street Journey

Maudsley, 57, made his debut on Weatherfield in 2020 as undertaker George, the son of Archie Shuttleworth (Roy Hudd). Over the past few years, his character has navigated heartbreak, family drama, and a brief romance with Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver).

Fans watched as George’s relationship with Eileen ended when she left for Thailand, following the death of her sister, Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh). Despite the ups and downs, Tony’s portrayal has cemented him as a beloved figure on the cobbles.

From Brookside Extra to Soap Legend

Before Coronation Street, Tony appeared in the hit sitcom Benidorm as Kenneth Du Beke from 2011 to 2018. His extensive television credits also include New Tricks, Holby City, Poirot, Doc Martin, and The Bill. Movie fans may recognize him as Grawp in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

However, it all began modestly. In 1988, Tony was an extra on Brookside. Recently, he shared a throwback photo on X (formerly Twitter), captioned: “When I was an extra on Brookside. About 1988.” The post sparked excitement and amazement among fans, many of whom couldn’t believe how little Tony had changed over the decades.

Fans React to the Throwback

Supporters flooded the comments with admiration and nostalgia. One fan wrote, “Love it! You haven’t changed a bit,” while another added, “Little did you know then what was ahead of you, Tony, now a Corrie legend #Corrie.” Others reminisced about his early roles, asking whether he had played a character called Bumper or if this was his first TV appearance.

The response highlighted both Tony’s enduring appeal and the affection fans have for British soap legends. His career trajectory—from an extra on Brookside to a household name on Coronation Street—remains a testament to his talent and versatility.

When I was an extra on Brookside. About 1988 pic.twitter.com/U7p4mXBKUP

— Tony Maudsley (@TonyMaudsley1) September 16, 2025

Looking Ahead: Brookside Returns

With the 30th-anniversary special approaching, viewers will have the chance to see iconic Brookside characters return to the small screen. Tony’s throwback reminds fans of the show’s lasting legacy and the early days of actors who have become soap icons.

For Tony Maudsley, this is a full-circle moment—reflecting on humble beginnings, celebrating decades of work, and continuing to capture the hearts of audiences on Weatherfield. As fans eagerly anticipate the crossover, one thing is clear: Tony’s charm, talent, and timeless presence remain as strong as ever.