Coronation Street fans were left shocked and saddened after it was confirmed that Colson Smith,
who has become a beloved fixture on the ITV soap, will be leaving his role as Craig Tinker in 2025.
The announcement marks the end of a significant chapter for the actor, who has spent 14 years on the iconic cobbles as the friendly and reliable local policeman.
Smith, who has portrayed Craig since 2011, took to Instagram at the beginning of 2025 to share the news with his followers.
Reflecting on his time on the soap, he expressed immense gratitude for his experience, while also revealing his excitement for the future.
He wrote: “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the Cobbles is to come to an end in 2025.
I’ve LOVED every single second of my 14-year stay as a resident on the GREATEST street in the world.”
The actor further explained how Coronation Street had shaped his life, noting that he had learned a great deal from his co-stars over the years. “I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on, and around Coronation Street,” Smith shared. “I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home.”
While the announcement of his departure was a bittersweet moment for fans, Colson reassured them that his exit storyline would be one to remember, teasing: “I’m excited to play out the exit story for Our Craigy.” He also expressed enthusiasm for the next chapter of his life, writing: “For me, this is just the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me.” The actor signed off with the optimistic message: “LONG LIVE THE COBBLES!” signaling his affection for his time on the soap and his excitement for what lies ahead.
A New Chapter: Colson Smith’s Presenting Career
Though Craig Tinker’s exit from Coronation Street is still some time away, Colson is already looking ahead to new opportunities. Fans can rest assured that the actor will remain on their screens, as he has recently ventured into a new career path that highlights his presenting talents.
In a new role as the “Rovers Reporter” for Coronation Street’s sponsor, Hays Travel, Colson has been showing off his hosting skills. The actor has been seen interviewing Corrie stars as part of an exciting new segment that promotes a £5,000 getaway competition. In these clips, Colson is seen grilling his co-stars about their holiday preferences and asking where they think their characters would like to go on vacation.
Among the stars Colson interviews are Claire Sweeney, who suggests her character Cassie might enjoy a trip to Barbados, and Tina O’Brien, who thinks her character Sarah Lou would love a Milan getaway with her daughter Bethany. The segment is not only a fun and lighthearted departure from his usual role but also an exciting opportunity for Colson to showcase his talents beyond acting.
Celebrity Big Brother and New Horizons
Colson’s versatility is not just confined to Coronation Street and his new presenting role. The actor previously made waves when he competed on the 2024 season of Celebrity Big Brother, where he impressed viewers with his charisma and down-to-earth personality. Colson made it all the way to the finale, finishing in a respectable third place behind Nikita Kuzmin and winner David Potts.
His time on the reality show helped further establish Colson as a fan-favorite, with viewers connecting with his relatable and genuine demeanor. This new exposure also opens up further doors for Colson to explore new career avenues in television, making his exit from Coronation Street a bittersweet moment for fans who have grown to love the character of Craig Tinker.
The Exit of Other Cast Members
Colson’s departure from Coronation Street comes amid a wave of changes within the soap’s cast. He is among several stars who have been written out or have decided to leave in 2025, including Luca Toolan (Mason Radcliffe) and Sue Devaney (Debbie Webster). Sue Cleaver, known for her role as Eileen Grimshaw, also announced her decision to quit, following the high-profile departure of Helen Worth, who has played Gail Platt for an astounding 50 years.
With Colson’s exit looming, viewers are left to wonder what’s next for the character of Craig Tinker. While no specific details have been revealed regarding how Craig will leave the cobbles, it is clear that his departure will be one of the big moments of 2025.
Looking Ahead
As Colson Smith prepares to exit Coronation Street, it’s clear that the talented actor has a bright future ahead of him. With his natural charisma and passion for entertainment, Colson is sure to continue to make waves in the world of television, both as a presenter and in future acting roles. For now, fans can continue to enjoy his final months on the show as Craig Tinker, with the knowledge that his next adventure is just beginning.
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