George Wilson

George Wilson is the father of Lucy Richards and grandfather of Simon Barlow. On 2nd November 2009, George introduced himself to Simon's dad Peter and asked if he could play a part in Simon's life, having not known about his existance until shortly beforehand. George told Peter that he had been a terrible father to Lucy, attributing his bad parenting to his own poor upbringing by his alcoholic mother, and that when he separated from Lucy's mother he had no further contact with her. Having since changed his ways and married Eve, George had learned of Lucy's death in 2008 and found out about Simon shortly afterwards.

Peter was initially wary of George and Eve but quickly accepted that his intentions were genuine. Having missed out on so many years with Lucy as well as Simon's first few years, George made up for it in abundance by buying Simon expensive gifts and later offering to pay for him to go to Oakhill School. He also gave Peter and his partner Leanne Battersby a loan so they could open a bar. The bar - and George's gestures - were opposed by Peter's dad Ken Barlow, who was suspicious of George's motives and worried that Peter, a recovering alcoholic, would be tempted back to drink if he were to run a bar. George was shocked when Blanche Hunt told him about the skeletons in the Barlows' closets but told Peter he was willing to give him a chance. George tried to stay friendly with Ken despite Ken taking (unsuccessful) measures to stop the bar from going ahead. However, on 7th January 2010, Ken went to see George and Eve at their mansion and accused George of trying to buy Simon by paying for his education. George was furious and threw Ken out the house. Peter eventually accepted George's offer.

With most of the construction work at the bar completed, Peter and Leanne threw a hard hat party on 5th February. Under the pressure of socialising, Peter permitted himself a drink and was soon drunk. Shocked, George and Eve took Simon to stay with them for the night. As Peter continued to drink in the ensuing days, George refused to let Simon return to his care, a move supported by the Barlows. Although the bar project was already in ruin, George again opened his wallet to Peter, offering to pay for him to go into rehab.

List of appearances
Episode count: 29.