Colson Smith has shared his emotions about receiving his final scripts for Coronation Street as his time on the beloved soap opera nears its end.
The 26-year-old actor, who has portrayed Craig Tinker for 14 years, admitted that reading his last scenes felt like a significant moment in his career.
Originally introduced to the show in 2011, Colson’s character Craig Tinker was only meant to appear for a brief two-episode stint alongside his on-screen mother,
Beth Tinker, played by Lisa George. However, the overwhelming positive response from viewers led to Craig and Beth becoming full-time fixtures on the show.
Earlier this year, it was officially announced that Craig would be leaving the cobbles.
During a discussion on the “On The Sofa” podcast with fellow Coronation Street stars Jack P. Shepherd and Ben Price,
Colson opened up about how he felt when he finally saw his exit storyline on paper.
When asked by Ben Price how he reacted to reading his last scripts, Colson responded, “Alright, yeah. It feels very real.” He went on to explain, “I didn’t quite realize how big of a deal it was until I actually received the scripts. Reading them, it became a lot to process, but at the same time, I’m excited. I’m looking forward to playing out Craig’s departure—I just want it to happen now in a strange way.”
Reflecting on the moment it fully sunk in, Colson acknowledged that seeing everything in writing made his impending departure more tangible. “Are you saying that before, it was just something in your head, but now seeing it in black and white has made it real?” Ben asked. To this, Colson agreed, adding, “Exactly. It hit me that I only have a few weeks left, and then I’ll be at home, twiddling my thumbs and playing Football Manager.”
Colson also noted that he believes he has already filmed his final scenes with Jack P. Shepherd, who plays David Platt. However, he suspects that Craig will still have one more on-screen interaction with Nick Tilsley, portrayed by Ben Price. He shared, “I don’t have any more scenes with you, Jack. I think our last scene has already been filmed. But I do have a scene left with Ben.”
Ben then joked about the possibility of his character getting emotional during their final moment together, saying, “I think I’ll cry, won’t I? Even if I’m not supposed to, I probably will.” Colson playfully responded, “I think you should cry. Even if it’s just a simple ‘Morning Craig, you alright?’ ‘Morning Nick,’ we should hug at the end.”
Back in January, Colson revealed through social media that he had been informed of Craig’s departure in the autumn of the previous year. In an emotional statement, he expressed his gratitude for his time on the soap, writing, “Last autumn, I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the Cobbles would come to an end in 2025.”
Reflecting on his journey, Colson continued, “I’ve loved every single second of my 14-year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on, and around Coronation Street.”
Acknowledging the impact the show and its people had on his life, he shared, “I’ve learned pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I’m excited to play out the exit story for Our Craigy.”
As his departure approaches, fans of the show are left wondering how Craig Tinker will bid farewell to Weatherfield. The details of his exit storyline remain under wraps, but with Colson’s heartfelt reflections and excitement for what’s to come, it is bound to be a memorable farewell for the character who has been a beloved part of the show for over a decade.
While it will certainly be an emotional goodbye, Colson’s journey beyond the cobbles is just beginning. Whether he pursues new acting opportunities or explores different avenues, his time on Coronation Street has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on both him and the audience who have followed Craig Tinker’s journey for the past 14 years.
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