Coronation Street star Colson Smith celebrated with co-stars last week as he filmed in final scenes on the ITV soap. After 13 years playing the role of Craig Tinker, the actor revealed in January the character would be leaving the Cobbles.
Former and current Coronation Street stars gathered for a farewell party after Colson’s last day on set last Friday. Among those in attendance was Sophie Webster star Brooke Vincent. She shared a picture of the two together at the police-themed goodbye party and captioned the post “A million memories together, my work little/ big brother, I adore you.
“I am so excited for your next adventure. A true friend and loved by everybody, last night shown that See you soon my friend!” Colson responded “I have no words Brooke.”
Lucy Fallon, known for her role as Bethany Platt also posted pictures from the do. She uploaded a picture with Colson to her Instagram account and the actor commented “Never see you ever again x”, with Lucy joking “you’d be so lucky’ in return.
Colson Smith has played the role of Craig since he was 12. In January, it was announced that he would be leaving the soap after 13 years on our screens. Sharing the news, Colson uploaded a message to Instagram to inform fans his time on Corrie would soon be coming to an end.
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 [sic] 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 learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I’m excited to play out the exit story for Our Craigy.”
Friday appeared to be Colson’s final day on set of the ITV soap. He shared a picture of a screen in his car playing the song “I try” by Macy Gray and wrote “The last dance” alongside a yellow heart emoji as he headed into the ITV studios. The latest career update came just days after he announced that he had made his leaving party playlist.
Colson made his first Weatherfield appearance in August 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.
While it has not been confirmed exactly Colson’s character will depart, he revealed emotional scenes were filmed inside Roy’s Rolls. Colson 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 on their ‘On the Sofa’ podcast, 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?’
Since his departure became public knowledge, the Craig Tinker star has appeared in interviews to discuss the news. Appearing on This Morning, he said: “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.”
Discussing what his next career move is, Colson said: “For me, this is just the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter two has in store for me.”