Colson Smith, known for his portrayal of Craig Tinker on “Coronation Street,” has announced his departure from the long-running ITV soap after a 14-year tenure. The 26-year-old actor shared the news on Instagram, revealing that he was informed in autumn 2024 that his character would be written out by 2025.
Colson Smith’s Announcement
In his Instagram post, Colson expressed gratitude for his time on the show, stating: “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.” He also hinted at future endeavors, adding: “I’m excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy. 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.”
Co-Stars’ Reactions
Colson’s departure has elicited heartfelt responses from his co-stars:
Andy Whyment (Kirk Sutherland): “I’m still absolutely gutted and you know how much you’re gonna be missed by us all. But I’m also really excited for you as I know you’re going to do really well, and you won’t be getting rid of me; we’re friends for life now.”
Sue Devaney (Debbie Webster): “Love you, Cols. So proud of you. Looking forward to watching your journey and can’t wait to see all your new exciting projects come to fruition! Shine bright, young man.”
Lucy Fallon (Bethany Platt): “Now that I’ve stopped crying about it, I can’t WAIT to see you slay the day.”
Sally Ann Matthews (Jenny Bradley): “Grandma loves ya and can’t wait to watch you fly!”
Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs): “Gutted mate, but also excited for you, get out there and smash it.”
Tina O’Brien (Sarah Platt): “Love you, Cols.”
Fan Reactions
Fans of the show have expressed their disappointment and support for Colson’s decision. Many took to social media to share their thoughts, with some stating that the show “won’t be the same without Craig” and others wishing Colson success in his future endeavors.
Izzi Warner’s Farewell
Izzi Warner, a fan-favorite from Channel 4’s “Gogglebox,” also reacted to Colson’s exit. Known for her commentary on various TV shows, including “Coronation Street,” Izzi bid farewell to the actor, saying: “Goodbye to the hardest working copper ever seen on the cobbles!”
Colson’s Future Plans
While Colson has not detailed his next steps, he has hinted at new projects on the horizon. In addition to his acting career, Colson co-hosts the popular podcast “On The Sofa” with fellow “Coronation Street” actors Jack P. Shepherd and Ben Price. Despite his departure from the soap, the podcast is expected to continue, allowing fans to stay connected with Colson and his insights.
Recent Departures from Coronation Street
Colson’s exit is part of a series of significant departures from “Coronation Street” in recent times. Notably, Helen Worth, who portrayed Gail Platt for 50 years, announced her departure, followed by Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw) after 25 years, and Charlotte Jordan (Daisy Midgeley) after four years. These exits coincide with reports of budget cuts and strategic changes within the show’s production.
Impact on Coronation Street
The departure of long-standing characters like Craig Tinker signifies a period of transition for “Coronation Street.” Producers face the challenge of maintaining the show’s legacy while introducing new storylines and characters to keep audiences engaged. Fans remain hopeful that the soap will continue to deliver compelling narratives despite the recent changes.
In Summary
Colson Smith’s departure from “Coronation Street” marks the end of a significant chapter in his career and the show’s history. As he prepares to bid farewell to the cobbles, both colleagues and fans reflect on his contributions and look forward to his future projects. The evolving landscape of “Coronation Street” presents new opportunities and challenges, ensuring that the beloved soap continues to captivate its audience.
