A windfall from an elderly client could cost George Shuttleworth dear on Coronation Street next week, when he’s accused of scheming his way into the good fortune. It’s not long before a smear campaign begins, leaving George worried about his reputation.

George has always prided himself on honesty and integrity when it comes to his dealings at the undertakers, so how will he cope when malicious gossip spreads?

“George is horrified to overhear a potential client being told that his funeral parlour business is not to be trusted,” explains our Corrie source. “Any besmirch on his good name cuts deep.

“Then there’s the matter of the financial implications if George’s reputation takes a tumble. He’s going to have to act fast to pull this back from the brink.”

The sticky situation began when George discovered he was set to receive £10,000 in a client’s will. The woman’s daughter, Annie, wasn’t happy with her mother’s wishes and claimed George must have coerced her into the bequest.

Then matters take a turn for the worse next week when Christina carelessly makes a joke about George inveigling his way into clients’ affections – all in the earshot of a potential customer, Mrs Ripley.

While Christina is quick to try to remedy the situation by meeting up with Mrs Ripley to explain, George finds himself having to do more damage control when Adam Barlow reveals that Annie has hired him to contest her mother’s will.

“Feeling the pressure, George muses to Christina that the best thing might be to turn down the inheritance and forget the whole thing,” shares our spy.

“Christina, however, worries that this could backfire, making George look more guilty. The pressure soon doubles when Annie accuses Christina of also being in on the scheme, and vows to sue them both!”

Later, the pair are relieved when Mrs Ripley’s son Damien arrives, telling them how pleased he is that Shuttleworth’s are looking after his mum’s funeral.

However, George and Christina’s rosy glow doesn’t last for long. As they walk Damien to the door, Annie marches up and rants that George and his business are not to be trusted!

“Annie certainly convinces Damien – who soon backs out of his plans to use George’s services,” says our mole. “If others are as quick to listen to Annie’s claims, could George find his business goes six feet under rather than his clients?”