Coronation Street's heartbroken Tony Maudsley supported by co-stars after missing friend found dead

Coronation Street star Tony Maudsley has shared his heartbreak after his friend was found dead. The actor has been supported by his co-stars upon sharing the tragic news after posting an appeal to help find Michael McGarrigle.

On Tuesday (January 9), Tony, who plays George Shuttleworth in the ITV soap, shared a missing poster of his friend Michael McGarrigle and asked his Twitter and Instagram followers for their help in finding him. He explained that Michael was a 'part of the family' and worked on Benidorm as a costume supervisor for many years and was last seen in Glasgow on Sunday morning (January 7).

A couple of hours later, Tony returned to social media to announce the tragic news of his friend's death. Along with a picture of the two together, Tony said: "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.

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"Our whole Benidorm family is devastated and we'll miss him hugely. RIP Michael." Tony is best known for his portrayal of hairdresser Kenneth Du Beke in Benidorm. After sharing the heartbreaking news, his Corrie co-stars were among the first to show their support as did his fans and followers.

Samia Longchambon replied: "So sorry to hear this Tony." EastEnders star Danny Walters replied with a broken heart emoji, as did actress Julie Graham.

@costachica said: "I’m so sorry to read this news. My deepest sympathies go to everyone who loved and knew this man. May he rest in peace." @karen_roy_benjamin