In a shocking and emotional farewell, Coronation Street fans have bid goodbye to a beloved character who has been a fixture on the cobbles for over a decade. Colson Smith, who has portrayed kind-hearted police officer Craig Tinker for 14 years, made his final appearance in a heart-wrenching storyline that left viewers stunned.

The tragic turn came during Wednesday’s gripping episode when Craig, ever the dutiful cop, tried to arrest the volatile Mick Michaelis (played by Joe Layton). What began as a tense confrontation quickly spiraled into a violent nightmare as Mick lashed out in brutal fashion, beating Craig with a baseball bat. Despite his heroic efforts, Craig succumbed to his injuries, leaving his loved ones — and the entire Corrie community — devastated. The fatal scene marked the end of an era for Craig Tinker and for actor Colson Smith, who has grown up on the show since joining in 2010.

Colson, now 26, spoke candidly about his departure during an emotional interview on This Morning. He described how deeply connected he feels to Coronation Street, not just because of the iconic status of the show but because of the deep relationships he forged behind the scenes. More than the glitz and the high-profile moments — including meeting the late Queen Elizabeth — Colson said it was the simple pleasures he would miss most. Summer days with ice cream vans in the ITV studio parking lot, joking with the cast, chatting with crew members, and enjoying the familial bond that has always made Corrie more than just a job for him.

He revealed that he learned about his character’s impending death on the night before Helen Worth’s final filming day. Worth, who famously portrayed Gail Platt, is another Corrie veteran whose exit marks a significant shift in the show’s landscape. Colson recalled his inner conflict about announcing his departure on such an emotional day for the cast. By the next morning, though, the news had spread like wildfire, and Colson walked into a tearful set. Lucy Fallon, heavily pregnant at the time, broke down upon seeing him, while Julia Goulding and other cast members spent the day in floods of tears. Even the usually composed Andy Whyment struggled with emotion, reportedly crying so much that he couldn’t park his car properly.

This overwhelming reaction speaks volumes about the impact Colson has had on his colleagues and the close-knit nature of the Coronation Street team. His character, Craig, may have started out as the awkward, quirky teen who struggled to find his place, but over the years he matured into a loyal friend, a caring partner, and a committed officer who always tried to do the right thing. Viewers watched him navigate romance, heartbreak, personal struggles like OCD, and the pressures of life on the police force — making him one of the most relatable and grounded characters on the soap.

Craig’s final scenes are set to air in Friday’s episode, where fans will witness the devastating aftermath of his death. The moment the hospital staff pull the sheet over his body is expected to be one of the most emotional in recent Coronation Street history.

As for Colson’s future, he’s embracing the uncertainty with optimism. Now stepping into a new chapter of his life, he expressed excitement about exploring more television work — this time, as himself. He’s already dabbling in podcasting, live shows, and presenting, and says he’s ready to take on new challenges beyond scripted drama. While he isn’t ruling out future acting roles, Colson is most interested in building his brand through projects that allow his personality to shine.

For Coronation Street viewers, Craig’s departure — especially through such a violent and unexpected end — is a painful blow. His exit marks not just the loss of a beloved character but also a symbolic transition in the show’s long-running legacy. With other key cast members also leaving, the soap is clearly entering a new era under evolving leadership.

Still, Colson’s warm reflections and the emotional outpouring from his colleagues serve as a testament to the profound mark he has left on British television. Craig Tinker may be gone, but his legacy — and Colson Smith’s — will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of fans for years to come.