Colson Smith, a beloved figure in the world of soap operas, has confirmed his departure from Coronation Street after a fruitful 14-year journey. Widely recognized for his role as PC Craig Tinker, Smith took to social media to announce his exit, stating that he had already filmed his final scenes. "CORONATION STREET I LOVE YOU, THANK YOU," he expressed in a heartfelt Instagram post, accompanying a picture of himself atop the iconic Rovers Return Inn.
According to The Sun, Smith's exit is set to air this summer, and an insider revealed that "Craig has grown up on the street and he’s become part of it, so it was a tough decision to make but one that will be worth it. PC Tinker will meet his maker in heroic circumstances this summer, and there won’t be a dry eye in the house when it goes out." The implications of his character's departure are significant, and anticipation is building amongst fans and cast alike.
In his emotional farewell, Smith reflected on his time in the show, noting, "In 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. 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. I'm excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy. For me, this is the end of the beginning. I genuinely can't wait to see what chapter two has in store for me."
Colson's legacy within Coronation Street resonates deeply among his peers and the audience. Andy Whyment, who has portrayed Kirk for 24 years, expressed his feelings on the departure: "Last night we had @colsonjsmith's Coronation Street leaving party... I've seen a lot of people leave the show over the 24 years I've been there but I can honestly say this one has hit me so hard. I know we won't be working together anymore but I'll always be here as a friend. Go out there and smash it as I know you will, but I as will millions of people miss PC Craig Tinker," he emotionally shared.
Brooke Vincent, who played Sophie Webster, also commemorated their time together with touching tributes, saying, "A million memories together ❤️ my work little/big brother, I adore you, I am so excited for your next adventure." Such sentiments paint a picture of Smith not just as a talented actor, but as a cherished friend to many within the show's community.
In a twist during his farewell, it was revealed that a transition is also occurring at the bar that has held significant importance in the show. Smith accidentally leaked details about a substantial plot twist; while filming farewell scenes, he unintentionally zoomed in on a "For Sale" sign in a photo from the Rovers Return Inn. This revelation has indicated that Jenny Connor, currently the landlady, is set to lose ownership as Carla Connor demands repayment of money linked to past events.
As the cast prepares for this big shift, Daisy actress Charlotte Jordan recently filmed her final scenes after four years on Coronation Street as well. The upcoming episodes promise to deliver a mix of emotional farewells and fresh storylines for devoted fans of the series as the show navigates through these changes.
Colson Smith's final scenes are expected to grace our screens later this year, marking a bittersweet farewell for fans of PC Craig Tinker. As his time on the show concludes, much excitement lies ahead for Smith as he ventures into new projects. His heartfelt messages of gratitude and affirmations of future endeavors leave fans hopeful and eager for what is to come. Truly, this chapter closes, but for Colson Smith, another is just beginning.
