Coronation Street actor Colson Smith has spoken out following the shocking revelation that his character, Craig Tinker, will be departing the long-running ITV soap.

His exit is part of a recent wave of cast changes, leaving fans reeling as more familiar faces prepare to say goodbye to the cobbles.
Craig Tinker’s Exit Confirmed
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Craig Tinker would be written out of Coronation Street, marking the end of Colson Smith’s time on the show.

The actor, who has played the role since 2011, is among several stars who have been let go as the soap undergoes significant cast reshuffling.

Alongside Colson, Luca Toolan (Mason Radcliffe) and Sue Devaney (Debbie Webster) have also been written out,

while Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw) and Charlotte Jordan (Daisy Midgeley) made the decision to leave the show voluntarily.
These departures follow the high-profile exit of Helen Worth, who portrayed Gail Platt for an incredible 50 years.
Colson Recalls the Moment He Found Out
Speaking on his On The Sofa podcast, which he co-hosts with fellow Corrie actors Ben Price and Jack P. Shepherd, Colson shared details of how he learned he was being written out of the show.
He revealed that back in October, he received an unexpected request to attend a late-evening meeting with Coronation Street’s top boss. Suspicious that something was off, he recalled how he was asked to meet at 7 p.m. after a day of filming.
Jack and Ben, knowing the importance of the meeting, waited outside for him. As Colson left the room, having just been informed of his exit, he recalled the moment he saw his co-stars.

“The hardest bit was walking down the stairs knowing you two were there,” Colson admitted. “I just stood in the doorway of the green room and just looked at you two.”
The trio then went out for a meal at Nando’s, trying to process the unexpected turn of events.
Keeping the News Under Wraps
Despite the difficult news, Colson chose to keep his departure private at first. With Helen Worth’s exit taking center stage at the time, he decided to stay quiet to avoid overshadowing her farewell.
“I kept it under wraps because it was Helen Worth’s final week, and I didn’t want to take away from her moment,” Colson explained.
Helen’s departure marked the end of an era for Coronation Street, and Colson wanted to ensure the focus remained on her legacy.
Colson Reflects on His Time on Coronation Street
While fans are saddened by Craig Tinker’s impending departure, Colson remains grateful for his time on the show.

The 25-year-old actor, who also participated in Celebrity Big Brother, shared what he will miss most about working on Coronation Street—and surprisingly, it’s not playing Craig.
“The thing I’m going to miss more than anything in the world isn’t Craig Tinker—it’s the green room,” Colson revealed. “I have learned everything about life in that building.”
Over the years, the green room has been a place of laughter, friendship, and bonding among cast members. For Colson, it holds countless memories and has played a huge role in shaping both his personal and professional life.
A Wave of Departures at Coronation Street
Colson’s exit is part of a growing list of Coronation Street cast changes. In addition to his departure, Luca Toolan and Sue Devaney have been written out, while Sue Cleaver and Charlotte Jordan made their own decisions to leave.
Fans have been particularly shaken by the recent exits, with some expressing concern about the direction the show is taking. While change is inevitable in long-running soaps, the departure of multiple beloved characters in quick succession has left viewers wondering what the future holds for the show.

What’s Next for Colson Smith?
With his time on Coronation Street coming to an end, fans are eager to see what’s next for Colson Smith. He has already expanded his career outside of acting, including reality TV appearances, and has expressed interest in new opportunities.
As the Coronation Street cast continues to evolve, Craig Tinker’s departure will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on fans. While his exit may mark the end of an era for the character, Colson’s career is far from over, and his time on the show will always be remembered.
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