Colson Smith is coming to the end of his time playing Craig Tinker on Coronation Street. The actor has been a regular on the soap since first appearing over a decade ago, in 2011.
During his time on the ITV show, Colson’s storylines have included a battle with OCD and becoming a police officer. For his role of Craig, he was nominated for Best Young Actor at the 2015 Inside Soap Awards.
However, Colson announced in January of this year that he will be leaving Coronation Street. The 26-year-old actor was informed several months ago about the decision to write his character off the show, with his departure scenes expected to air in early summer.
Announcing his departure, Colson uploaded a picture of himself to Instagram outside the Rovers Return and wearing his police attire. He wrote: “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinkers time on the Cobbles is to come to end in 2025. I’ve LOVED every single second of my 14 year stay as a resident on the GREATEST street in the world.”
Colson revealed his last scenes were filmed inside Roy’s Rolls. He confessed the most difficult part was seeing his co-hosts, as he couldn’t hold back the tears. Speaking to co-stars Jack P Shepherd and Ben Price, he explained: “”The hardest bit was walking down the stairs knowing you two were there. I just stood in the doorway of the green room didn’t it, and I looked at you two.”
“This was the funniest part, and I think even in my teary state part of me went, ‘What is going on?’ As I’m hugging Ben, there’s a TV that is on the wall mounted in the green room and it was turned off. And I just saw the reflection of little Jack hugging my waist. We had a hug and then I went, ‘Can we go to Nando’s?’
Colson has regularly shared insights into his personal life away from screen, he was in Barcelona this week taking part in a marathon. The actor has also hinted that it won’t be long before his character has left Coronation Street for good. He posted a photo of his car dashboard as he listened to Will Young’s ‘Leave Right Now’, this morning.
He captioned the Instagram story “Made my leaving party playlist this morning” alongside a crying emoji and champagne emoji. In a more upbeat message, he also uploaded a picture of Bradley Riches next to the Emmerdale sign.
The ITV star said: “Best news ever” and tagged the new Emmerdale actor. Netflix star Bradley Riches has said he is “beyond excited” to have joined the cast of Emmerdale. The actor is renowned for his role as James McEwan in the hit Netflix show, Heartstopper.
The 23-year-old is also renowned for his stint on last season’s Celebrity Big Brother and finished in sixth place. The actor’s career is continuing to go from strength to strength as he will join the cast of Emmerdale as a regularly character.
Details of his character are being kept under wraps but the actor has said he can’t wait for fans to see him arrive, when he debuts on screen in May. He said: “I’m beyond excited to be joining Emmerdale!
“It’s a real bucket list moment for me, especially since it was my grandad’s favourite soap, I just know he’d be over the moon. Everyone has been so lovely and welcoming, and the village is even more amazing in real life.
“I absolutely love my character (though I can’t spill too much just yet!), and I’m just so grateful for this opportunity. I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s in store…”
Emmerdale producer, Laura Shaw, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Bradley to the Emmerdale family. Bradley brings a wealth of talent and his warmth, wit and charisma makes him perfect for this new Emmerdale role.