Colson Smith, who has portrayed Craig Tinker on *Coronation Street* for an impressive 14 years, 

has finally revealed the reasons behind his character’s exit from the long-running soap. 

In a candid interview on his *On the Sofa* podcast, Colson opened up 

about the conversation he had with *Corrie* producer Kate Brooks in October, which led to the news of his departure. 

Colson shared that he had an inkling something was coming long before the official conversation took place. 

Reflecting on the moment he met with Kate, Colson recalled, “She looked at me and said, ‘Colson, this is going to be a really hard conversation.’ I said, ‘I know that, I know. 

So let’s go and have it.’” Despite knowing the conversation would be difficult, Colson remained calm and allowed Kate to explain the reasons behind the decision.

According to Colson, the key reason for Craig’s exit was the character’s increasing sense of isolation over the past few years. “It was everything I already knew about how Craig as a character in this show had become very isolated,” he explained. “In the past three years, he’s gone through: his girlfriend’s left the show, his mum’s left the show. He doesn’t have any family. The rat’s dead.” The reference to Craig’s pet rat, which was a significant part of his storyline for years, underscored the character’s lack of meaningful connections within the show.

Despite the emotional toll this news took, Colson acknowledged that it was part and parcel of being in a soap opera. Reflecting on his incredible journey, he noted, “I joined the show as an 11-year-old who was meant to be there for two episodes, non-speaking, and I leave as a 26-year-old, having done 750 episodes, having achieved so much, had a life that that show has given me.” This long and rewarding tenure made Colson highly understanding of the nature of soap operas, where storylines evolve, and characters come and go.

Kate Brooks, the producer, was reportedly impressed with Colson’s maturity and understanding of the situation, telling him, “You’re very understanding.” Colson, who has grown up on the show, admitted that he has seen many characters leave over the years and was well aware that the nature of soap operas demands that the storylines constantly evolve.

In addition to reflecting on Craig’s isolation as a factor in his departure, Colson also revealed that he had a strong sense that his contract renewal would not be coming through. “Start of October I said to Ben and I said to my mum, ‘I just don’t feel confident this renewal’s coming this time round,’” Colson confessed. He explained that the “tide had changed” for Craig, and the character’s journey had reached a natural conclusion.

Colson’s fellow *Coronation Street* stars, Ben Price and Jack P. Shepherd, were instrumental in supporting him during this process. Colson mentioned that both Ben and Jack had been there for him when he received the news about his departure. “The beauty of me not being blindsided by it was I had [Jack and Ben] there,” Colson said. The two actors even waited in the green room with Colson before his meeting with Kate, providing him with much-needed support.

In the interview, Colson also discussed how much *Coronation Street* has shaped his life. Having joined the soap at such a young age, Colson’s journey with the show is a testament to the opportunities and experiences the iconic series has provided him. From an 11-year-old with a minor role to a 26-year-old actor with a deep connection to the show, Colson expressed his gratitude for everything *Coronation Street* has given him.

As Colson bids farewell to Craig Tinker, it marks the end of an era for the character and for the actor, who has grown alongside the show. The decision to write Craig out of *Coronation Street* may have been driven by the character’s isolation, but it also opens up new opportunities for Colson as he moves on to the next chapter in his career. Fans will undoubtedly miss Craig, but they can take solace in the fact that Colson’s legacy on *Coronation Street* will always be a significant one.

As for Colson’s future, he remains excited about the next steps in his career, eagerly anticipating what chapter two will bring. Though *Coronation Street* will no longer feature Craig Tinker, Colson’s journey with the show has been an unforgettable one, and his fans will continue to support him as he ventures into new roles and projects.

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