10 January 2024 , 07:19
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Coronation Street star Tony Maudsley was devastated as he revealed his missing friend had died.
On Tuesday, the actor shared a missing poster of his friend Michael McGarrigle and asked his Twitter 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. Michael was last seen in Glasgow on Sunday morning.
A couple of hours later, Tony returned to the platform 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.
"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, followers took to the comment section to share their condolences.
Tony announced the tragic news of his friend's death
His friend was last seen in Glasgow on Sunday morning (Getty Images Europe)One user said: "So very sorry to hear this sad news Tony. I send my condolences to you & his family," while another posted: "I’m so sad at this news, thinking of you all Michael’s family and friends, sending you love." One follower commented: "Always the kindest man, he part-owned bar Broadway here in Brighton and it was amazing then. Remembered with a smile RIP."
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"Sorry for the loss, Tony. Sending my best wishes to you, the Benidorm cast, and Michael’s loved ones," one said and another wrote: "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." On Tuesday evening, Tony posted a picture of Michael and asked followers for help.
Tony said: "This is our friend Michael McGarrigle. Michael is a valued member of our Benidorm family having worked on the show as our costume supervisor for many years. He has been missing for several days, last seen in the early hours of Sunday morning in the Glasgow area.
Tony (second from the left) and Michael both worked on Benidorm (ITV)"We, his friends and family are extremely concerned for his safety and would appeal to anyone who may have seen him in the last 48 hours to contact Glasgow Police." Tony also shared the same appeal on Instagram.
Michael worked as the costume supervisor on many hit television series such as Maternal, The Larkins, DCI Banks, Prisoners Wives, Whitechapel, Mrs Biggs, Annika, The Fear and many more. Michael was also the co-owner of Bar Broadway, a musical theatre and cabaret bar in Brighton.
Michael and Tony worked together on the popular TV series, Benidorm. The series first aired in 2007 and ended in 2018. It featured an ensemble cast of holidaymakers and staff at the Solana all-inclusive hotel in Benidorm, Spain over a week each year. Tony joined the series in 2011 and remained a series regular.
After Benidorm, Tony went on to play George Shuttleworth in Coronation Street. Last year, he talked about how he had no plans to leave the cobbles. Enthusiastically, he said: "I only told her I'd signed a new contract and this is what happens! I thought she'd be pleased! That's George keeping Eyelash on her toes until at least July 2024, and I couldn't be happier."