Several big names are set to leave Coronation Street this year amid a raft of changes at the long-running soap.
ITV has confirmed a reduction in the weekly output of its flagship soap Coronation Street and several stars have been moved to ‘guest contracts’, as previously reported by Prolific North.
Now, Colson Smith, who plays PC Craig Tinker in Coronation Street, has spoken out after it was confirmed he will be leaving the long-running ITV soap after 14 years.
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The actor, who first appeared on the show in 2011, recently shared that he has already filmed his final scenes and it would appear there are no hard feelings.
Posting a photo of himself on the roof of the Rovers Return, Colson wrote: “CORONATION STREET I LOVE YOU, THANK YOU.”
His departure was first reported by The Sun, with an ITV insider saying: “Craig has grown up on the street and he’s become part of it so it was a tough decision to make but one that will be worth it.
“PC Tinker will meet his maker in heroic circumstances this summer and there won’t be a dry eye in the house when it goes out.
“Colson is taking it well and there’s a real feeling that this chapter is closing for him and there are bigger and brighter things ahead.”
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The actor had previously confirmed his exit in an emotional Instagram post, writing: “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the Cobbles is to come to end in 2025.
“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. I’ve learned pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home.
“I’m excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy. For me, this is the end of the beginning.
“I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter two has in store for me.”
Smith’s final scenes are expected to air this summer.
