The streets of Weatherfield are about to be shaken to their core as Coronation Street gears up for an emotionally charged and potentially deadly exit for longtime character Craig Tinker. Played by Colson Smith for the past 14 years, Craig has grown from an awkward teen into a steady presence in the community as a dedicated policeman. But now, as his final chapter unfolds, his departure from the cobbles won’t be a quiet one—it promises to be devastating and unforgettable.

In a newly released teaser video, fans are given a chilling glimpse of Craig’s final storyline. The clip paints a grim picture: Craig lies unconscious, bloodied and battered on the famous cobbles, the victim of a violent attack. DS Lisa Swain’s haunting voiceover lingers over the scene, asking the deeply ominous question: “If we knew today was our last day on earth, what would we do differently?” It’s a warning that Craig’s end may be more tragic than anyone imagined.

Colson Smith, who has portrayed Craig since 2011, previously confirmed his exit back in January. While his departure has been long in the making, the specifics of how Craig would leave the show had remained under wraps—until now. Speaking about the emotional weight of his final scenes, Smith expressed his enthusiasm for how things were handled, calling it “exactly the exit I wanted.” He added that the filming process, despite the darkness of the story, was incredibly enjoyable. Covered in fake blood and immersed in intense scenes, he found himself reflecting on the privilege of working with such a talented cast and crew one last time.

Craig’s swan song is set to unfold during a high-stakes special week of episodes, beginning May 19. The storyline centers on Craig and his colleague Kit Green, whose shared investigation into a tangled web of secrets pulls them into dangerous territory. A new character, Mick Michaelis, is introduced during these episodes. Mick’s mysterious past connection to Kit proves to be the fuse that ignites a chain of explosive revelations, forever altering the course of Craig’s life.

At the start of the week, Craig is thrilled to be shadowing Kit, a move that could help propel his career. However, what begins as a promising opportunity quickly spirals into chaos. The episodes build toward a heart-pounding crescendo as “climactic events” push Craig directly into harm’s way. The promotional footage doesn’t shy away from the brutality of what happens next—Craig is brutally attacked, his life hanging by a thread on the cold pavement where so many Corrie legends have fallen before him.

The soap’s writers have expertly built suspense around Craig’s fate, leaving viewers unsure whether his exit will be one of death, disappearance, or something in between. The cryptic voiceover in the trailer reminds us, “there isn’t always more time,” amplifying the feeling that this could be the end—not just of Craig’s time in Weatherfield, but possibly of his life altogether.

Behind the scenes, Colson Smith’s journey with Coronation Street has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a child actor, he grew into his role alongside the character, forming strong ties with the audience and the wider Corrie family. Smith has said he feels “incredibly lucky” to have been part of the show for so long, cherishing every chapter of Craig’s story. His portrayal of the earnest, often socially awkward but big-hearted police officer has left a lasting impression on fans.

The upcoming episodes are not just a tribute to Craig as a character, but to Smith’s evolution as an actor. The decision to give Craig such a dramatic send-off speaks volumes about his importance in the soap’s legacy. Viewers can expect not only edge-of-your-seat drama, but also emotionally raw performances, especially as the fallout from Craig’s fate begins to ripple across the community.

Craig’s attack will likely have a profound impact on those closest to him—his mother Beth, his colleagues, and especially Faye Windass, his former love. With tensions already simmering beneath the surface due to Craig’s involvement in various cases and his strict sense of duty, this violent incident could be the breaking point for many relationships in Weatherfield.

As the countdown to Craig’s final episodes begins, fans are bracing for what may be one of Coronation Street’s most dramatic and heart-wrenching exits in recent memory. Whether Craig survives or not, his story is about to leave an indelible mark on the cobbles.

So prepare for a week of intense emotion, dark revelations, and possibly irreversible consequences. Craig Tinker’s end may not be a peaceful goodbye—it might just be Weatherfield’s next tragedy. And with a mystery assailant on the loose and secrets waiting to be exposed, one thing’s for certain: Coronation Street won’t be the same without him.