Coronation Street’s Colson Smith Misses Out on ‘Life Goal’ Following Soap Exit

After 14 years on Coronation Street, Colson Smith is preparing to bid farewell to Weatherfield.
However, despite his long tenure on the show, the actor has revealed that his exit is coming too soon for him to achieve one of his major personal milestones.
Colson Smith’s Departure from Coronation Street

Colson, who has played Craig Tinker since 2011, has been involved in several significant storylines over the years.

From battling OCD to becoming a dedicated police officer, his character has grown tremendously throughout his time on the cobbles.

However, earlier this year, it was confirmed that Colson would be leaving the beloved ITV soap, with his final scenes set to air soon. While his departure marks the end of an era for fans, the actor recently admitted that it also means he will fall short of a key career goal.
Missing the 1,000 Episode Milestone
During a conversation on the On the Sofa podcast—hosted by his Coronation Street co-stars Jack P. Shepherd and Ben Price—Colson revealed that he had always dreamed of reaching 1,000 episodes on the soap. Unfortunately, his exit has come before he could hit that target.
“I was told I did less than a thousand episodes in my time,” he shared. “That was my goal in life, to do 1,000.”
While he didn’t disclose the exact number of episodes he has filmed, he estimated that he is about 150 episodes short of the milestone. “Quite a big ask,” he admitted, acknowledging that he simply won’t have the time to reach his target before his departure.
Preparing for His Exit
Despite missing out on his 1,000-episode goal, Colson remains excited about his upcoming exit from Coronation Street. He has already planned a leaving party to mark the occasion and even joked about incorporating a “semi-police decor” as a nod to his character’s career in the Weatherfield police force.

In a lighthearted moment, he also mentioned his dream of having legendary musician Sting perform at the event. While it may seem like an unlikely request, Colson revealed that the singer has a surprising connection to one of his best friends—Sting’s father was his friend’s milkman.
Colson Smith’s Emotional Farewell
When Colson officially announced his departure last month, he shared a heartfelt message reflecting on his time on the soap.
“I’ve LOVED every single second of my 14-year stay as a resident on the GREATEST street in the world,” he wrote. “I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on, and around Coronation Street. I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home.”
Colson also hinted that while his journey with Coronation Street is coming to an end, he is excited about what the future holds.

“I’m excited to play out the exit story for Our Craigy. For me, this is just the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter two has in store for me. LONG LIVE THE COBBLES!”
What’s Next for Colson Smith?
With his departure looming, fans are eager to see how Craig Tinker’s story will conclude. Will he leave Weatherfield behind for a new opportunity? Or will his exit be more dramatic, in true Coronation Street fashion?
While Colson hasn’t revealed his next career move, his farewell message suggests he is looking forward to exploring new opportunities beyond the soap. Given his talent and popularity, it’s likely that fans will see him take on exciting new projects in the near future.
Although he may not have reached his 1,000-episode goal, Colson’s impact on Coronation Street is undeniable. His portrayal of Craig Tinker has left a lasting impression on fans, and his exit will undoubtedly be an emotional moment for viewers who have followed his journey for more than a decade.

As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, one thing is certain—Colson Smith’s time on Coronation Street may be ending, but his future in the entertainment industry is just beginning.
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