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Coronation Street's Colson Smith "emotional" as he opens up on exit and next chapter

The actor played Craig Tinker for more than a decade.

Colson Smith in a blue blazer and orange tie, smiling ahead. He is in front of a red background

Karwai Tang/WireImage

Published: Thursday, 10 April 2025 at 11:54 am

Outgoing Coronation Street star Colson Smith has opened up on his imminent exit from the soap opera.

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The actor has played Craig Tinker on the series since 2011, debuting days before his 13th birthday, but is now looking ahead to a "new chapter" as his character departs those famous cobbled streets.

Appearing on Good Morning Britain yesterday, Smith revealed that he filmed his final scenes for the continuing drama three weeks ago – and expects them to air sometime in May.

He said: "I'll always feel emotional [about leaving]. I will always miss the place. It was my home. It was my family. Those people, they helped me grow up.

"It's very different having done something for 14 years to now know that you're not doing it anymore, and I'm excited to go out and have some fun. I'm excited, it feels like a new chapter of my life starting."

Colson Smith as Craig Tinker.

Colson Smith as Craig Tinker.

Smith quite literally grew up in front of the soap-viewing public and, in a farewell speech to his co-stars and crew, recalled passing major "milestones" in his life among the supportive Coronation Street community.

In a recent episode of his podcast, On the Sofa, which he hosts with fellow Corrie stars Jack P Shepherd (David Platt) and Ben Price (Nick Tilsley), Smith added that "thank you doesn't even cover it, it doesn't come close to what I needed to say".

Co-presenter Shepherd has recently followed in Smith's footsteps by entering the Celebrity Big Brother house, where Smith fared well in 2024 – placing third overall.

On Good Morning Britain, Smith explained: "I've given [Shepherd] plenty of advice to be fair. The main one was to go in and enjoy yourself, because you only get to do a show like this once, so go and make the most of it.

"I did tell him to make sure he gets a bed, but he was the last into the bedroom so I don't think he's even listening."

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Coronation Street is available to stream on ITVX.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of David Craig, smiling against a lime green background.

David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

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