Coronation Street star leaving ITV soap as beloved character 'written out of show'

Corrie: Colson Smith opens up on Craig and Faye's relationship

Colson Smith announced his exit from Coronation Street as the actor confirmed his shock departure.

The actor, who plays police officer Craig Tinker, revealed that he was told in Autumn 2024 that he would be written out of the show.

An insider also explained that Colson is excited for the next chapter of his career and said viewers should look forward to a "brilliant exit storyline".

Colson told Mail Online: "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.

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Corrie star Colson Smith has announced his exit from the ITV soap (Image: ITV)

Reflecting about his time on the ITV soap, the on-screen star admitted he loved "every single second" of his time on the show and feels "incredibly lucky" to have been a part of the show for so long.

"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," he told the publication.

"I genuinely can't wait to see what chapter two has in store for me."

He is the second star to be revealed to be leaving the soap in a matter of days.

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PC Craig Tinker will be waving farewell to the cobbles for good later this year.

Craig's on-screen mum, Beth Tinker, also left the show in the summer when actress Lisa George was written out from the role.

He is the latest among a long-list of soap favourites to leave the programme in recent months.

Sue and Colson's departures comes after veteran star Helen Worth announced her exit as Gail Platt after 50 years.

As well as appearing on the Corrie cobbles, Colson took part in ITV reality show Celebrity Big Brother last year.