Colson Smith, beloved by Coronation Street fans for over a decade as the loyal and lovable Craig Tinker, is officially stepping away from the cobbles. His final scenes on the ITV soap are set to air soon, bringing to an end a 14-year journey that began when Colson was just 11 years old. Although audiences are still waiting to see how his departure will play out onscreen, behind the scenes, Colson has already begun charting a new course for himself—one that’s proving both surprising and inspiring.
The actor first revealed his exit earlier this year in an emotional social media announcement, thanking fans and reflecting on the role that helped shape his early career. His farewell was bittersweet, especially as reports have since confirmed that Craig’s fate will take a tragic turn: the character will be killed off in dramatic fashion. But while Craig Tinker may soon draw his last breath in Weatherfield, Colson Smith is just beginning a new chapter—one filled with audition tapes, personal reflection, and even a stint as a farmhand.
Speaking candidly on his On The Sofa podcast, which he co-hosts with fellow Corrie actors Ben Price and Jack P Shepherd, Colson opened up about his very first post-Corrie audition. After leaving the show, he filmed a self-tape for a role in the BBC comedy-drama Ludwig, a series starring renowned comedians David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin. Ironically, the role was for—of all things—another police officer. This left Colson conflicted.
Having played PC Craig Tinker since 2011, Colson admitted that stepping into the shoes of yet another copper felt creatively restrictive. “I think it was too similar to Craig Tinker,” he explained. “I find it very, very difficult to play a copper.” He confessed that even reading the casting brief left him cold. The character description called for someone “cringey” yet “likeable”—traits that mirrored Craig in ways that made Colson uneasy. “I did a brainstorm of everything that was on the casting brief… it was grating,” he recalled.
Despite his concerns, Colson went ahead with the audition, fully aware that it might not lead anywhere. “I did it and I’ve not heard anything back, so that’s the way it goes,” he said with acceptance. “But I think it was just nice to do my first tape and it was for a relatively big [production]. I knew I wasn’t going to get it, because one, it was for a big show, and two, a copper, but it was just a nice experience to get out and do it.”
While he might not have landed the role, the experience marked a crucial milestone: his first independent step away from Coronation Street and into the wider world of acting. It’s clear that Colson is eager to reinvent himself and expand his range—and he’s not afraid to start from the ground up. Literally.
Shortly after his audition, Colson revealed via Instagram that he’d taken on an unexpected new challenge: delivering lambs on a farm. Sharing endearing photos of himself mid-delivery, he captioned the post: “Midwife mode: activated.” It was a lighthearted but symbolic gesture—a far cry from the fast-paced drama of fictional crime scenes, and perhaps a metaphor for his own rebirth as an actor outside the safe confines of Weatherfield.
This whimsical venture into farm life seems to reflect Colson’s current mindset: open, curious, and willing to explore paths that differ wildly from his well-worn role as Craig. He’s not rushing into the next big job or trying to force a reinvention. Instead, he appears to be taking time to find his voice and explore who he is beyond the badge and uniform.
Fans of Coronation Street might be gearing up for an emotional farewell, especially knowing that Craig’s exit will be final and heart-wrenching. Yet for Colson Smith, the end of this era feels like the beginning of something transformative. His transparency about the audition process—complete with self-doubt and humor—makes him even more relatable, showing that even seasoned actors grapple with the same nerves and hesitations as anyone starting over.
As he navigates this period of professional uncertainty and personal growth, one thing is clear: Colson is determined to stretch himself. Whether it’s testing new roles in the acting world or lending a hand on a lambing farm, he’s stepping into uncharted territory with humility and heart.
Will he return to TV soon in a role far removed from Craig Tinker? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—Colson Smith is no longer just the lad in the police vest patrolling the cobbled streets. He’s evolving, experimenting, and maybe, just maybe, about to surprise us all.
