Coronation Street star Colson Smith has reflected on his emotional and fitting exit from the long-running ITV soap. Having played Craig Tinker since he was just 11, Colson’s character was dramatically killed off after 14 years on the Cobbles, following a violent attack by Mick Michaelis.
In Wednesday’s heartbreaking episode, Craig was declared dead after a brief moment where fans hoped he might recover. Speaking to the ECHO, Colson said the way Craig died “in the line of duty” was the perfect send-off, bringing a satisfying closure to the character’s journey.
Colson shared how he learned about the decision to write Craig out from show producer Kate Brooks. He revealed: “I’d already braced myself… I knew Craig had backed himself into a corner he couldn’t get out of.” When Kate told him about the plan, he asked directly if Craig would be killed off. “If it makes it easier for you, the right answer is yes,” he told her. He believed it was the right way to go, avoiding any vague possibility of return that would feel like unfinished business.
He described his final days on set as some of the hardest, especially the last filming day. To say goodbye, he spent an hour outside the Rovers Return soaking in the atmosphere. Colson said, “I felt ready to go. Bring on tomorrow.”
The departure hit his co-stars hard too, with Kirk Sutherland actor Andy Whyment visibly emotional on Colson’s last day. The pair remain close, regularly keeping in touch. As a parting gift, Colson gave his colleagues Lego figures of Craig Tinker with the note: “PC Tinker will always be there when you need him. I will miss you forever.”
Colson admitted life without Corrie feels very different: “I do miss Corrie. I miss going to work and miss having a job. I’m accepting that nothing will ever replace that.” He said playing Craig wasn’t just a job but “been my life… Everything I’ve done and achieved have been while being part of Coronation Street.”
Looking ahead, Colson is excited about his career beyond the soap. He now co-hosts the On the Sofa podcast with Corrie stars Jack P Shepherd and Ben Price and is keen to develop his presenting skills. “After 14 years of the same thing, you have a taste for something different,” he said. “I’ve got stuff going on and I’m excited… I’m looking forward to going to work again.”
Colson’s heartfelt farewell highlights the deep connection he’s had with the show and the bittersweet nature of closing such a significant chapter in his life.