After 14 years on Coronation Street, actor Colson Smith is preparing to bid farewell to the cobbles. 

Best known for his role as Craig Tinker, Colson recently opened up about his disappointment at not reaching a personal milestone before his departure.

The actor confirmed earlier this year that his time on the long-running ITV soap will come to an end in 2025, sharing the news with fans via social media. 

Since then, he has received an outpouring of support from both viewers and fellow cast members.

Colson Reflects on His Time as Craig Tinker

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Colson expressed his gratitude for the years he has spent on Coronation Street, calling it “the greatest street in the world.” 

He acknowledged how much he has learned from his time on the show and expressed excitement about what the future holds for him beyond Weatherfield.

“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 learned pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home.”

He also teased that Craig’s exit storyline will be one to watch, promising fans a memorable send-off for his beloved character.

However, despite his long tenure on the soap, Colson recently revealed that he fell short of reaching a personal goal—appearing in 1,000 episodes.

Just Shy of 1,000 Episodes

During an appearance on the On The Sofa podcast, which he co-hosts with Corrie co-stars Ben Price (Nick Tilsley) and Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt), Colson admitted that not reaching the milestone had been a disappointment.

“They’ve said it’s 14 years. Less than a thousand episodes though. That was my goal in life. I think I’m 150 off,” he revealed.

While he may not have hit the 1,000-episode mark, Colson’s impact on the show is undeniable. From Craig’s early days as Beth Sutherland’s (Lisa George) lovable son to his transformation into a dedicated police officer, his character has been at the center of some major storylines.

Saying Goodbye to Corrie

The actor also reflected on the emotional moment he shared with his close friends Ben Price and Jack P. Shepherd after learning that he was being written out of the show.

“The hardest bit was walking down the stairs knowing you two were there,” Colson told them during the podcast. “I just stood in the doorway of the green room and just looked at you two.”

After breaking the news, the trio shared a hug before heading to Nando’s to mark the moment. However, Colson admitted that what he will miss most isn’t playing Craig—it’s the camaraderie behind the scenes.

“The thing I’m going to miss more than anything in the world isn’t Craig Tinker, it’s the green room. I have learned everything about life in that building,” he said. “Every good day I’ve had in my life and every bad day I’ve had in my life, I’ve been in there.”

Barbara Knox’s Touching Phone Call

Following his exit announcement, Colson received countless messages of support, but one in particular left a lasting impression.

In an unexpected phone call, Coronation Street legend Barbara Knox, who has played Rita Tanner for over 50 years, reached out to offer her well wishes.

“When everyone found out I was leaving, I had one conversation which I was really surprised by, which was a phone call from a withheld number,” Colson recalled. “She said: ‘People come and go all the time… and there are some people who are there who love the show. You’re one of those people and I just want to say thank you for all the time that I’ve spent with you and the way that you treat me.’”

Colson admitted that the call took him by surprise and meant a lot to him.

“I appreciated this phone call a lot,” he said. “And then she basically said: ‘Good luck. I really hope that something comes for you.’”

What’s Next for Colson Smith?

As he prepares to leave Coronation Street, Colson has made it clear that he sees this as “just the end of the beginning.” While he hasn’t yet revealed his next career move, he has previously expressed an interest in exploring new opportunities, including his passion for fitness and presenting.

Fans will be eagerly watching to see how Craig Tinker’s story comes to a close in 2025, but one thing is certain—Colson’s time on the cobbles has left a lasting impact, and his next chapter is only just beginning.

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