George Appleton is the son of Jude and Angie Appleton. Having reconnected with her son Jude, whom she was forced to abandon after giving birth at the young age of 14 after being taken advantage of, in December 2016 Mary Taylor was devastated when he revealed that he'd have to return to his life in South Africa with his wife and newborn son. Deciding that Mary deserved a chance to be involved in her grandchild's life she was offered to live abroad with them, but ultimately she decided to decline as it would mean leaving behind all her friends.
In an attempt to win an around-the-world trip, stopping in South Africa, Mary and her friend Norris Cole entered a wedding competition - however, after discovering his mother's upcoming nuptials Jude came back to Weatherfield to walk his mother down the aisle - this time bringing his wife and son.
Upon learning the truth that he was conceived by rape Jude was horrified but later announced that he'd been thinking of remaining in Weatherfield - much to Mary's delight.