Coronation Street star Colson Smith declared love by ‘crying’ co-stars as he marks exit with unseen snaps

Coronation Street star Colson Smith marked the end of Colson Smith on the cobbles(Image: Colson Smith Instagram)

Coronation Street star Colson Smith has been declared love by his former co-stars as he left them ‘crying’ over the long-awaited exit from the long-running show.

The actor’s final scenes were long-awaited in the sense that he announced in January that he would be leaving the ITV soap after almost 14 years in the role of Craig Tinker.

He had found out the plan for his beloved character to be written out of the show months earlier, during a late-night meeting with Corrie producer Kate Brooks, in October.

The 26-year-old actor has now bowed out of the soap on Wednesday (May 21) as he policing alter-ego PC Craig Tinker, who was killed off after dying from the injuries he sustained when brutally attacked by Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton) when he got in his way in the previous episode.

Speaking following the scenes, Colson told how he admitted to soap boss Kate that he’d be happy to be killed off, and he was particularly happy to find out Craig would die a “hero’s death”.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News and other press, he said: “I’d already braced myself for what was about to happen. I’d been in that building since I was 12 years old, so I know exactly how it works. So I knew that my time was up and I knew that Craig had backed himself into a corner that was gonna be really hard to get out of.

Craig lost his life in tragic scenes(Image: ITV)

“So I fully expected the chat to go that way. In the conversation with Kate, there’d been about 20 minutes of Kate kind of, talking to me, but we hadn’t touched on when, or how, or who or what.

“So I kind of stopped Kate and said ‘Look, I have two questions: one is when, and two is do I get killed?’ And she kind of stopped and stumbled a little bit; and I said ‘If it makes it easier for you, the right answer for me is Yes.’

“For me to go, I would want to die, I would want the door to be shut so then I can kind of know in my head that Corrie has been this, Corrie has done that and it is now done, and Craig’s journey is over.’

“So in a really weird way, it was the right thing for me to be killed. I didn’t want that ‘We might have you back’, knowing that it would be very unlikely and knowing that it would feel a bit like unfinished business and an unfinished job.

Colson said an emotional goodbye to Corrie(Image: Colson Smith Instagram)

“I think Craig dying, and Craig dying in the line of duty as a copper, that kind of hero’s death was by far the most perfect story for the exit.”

Colson also promised fans won’t see Craig again in spirit form or in flashbacks. He laughed: “I did say I won’t be coming back as a ghost. I was like, ‘The day I leave, will be the day that I leave!’ “

Meanwhile, Colson also took to his own Instagram page and gave fans a glimpse inside filming his final scenes as Craig with a string of behind-the-scenes pictures.

In one, the soap star could be seen smiling as he laid back on a crash mat, in Craig Tinker’s full uniform and a pair of sunglasses as he waited for his next take. There was also a picture of the moment he was giving his final speeches in the studio, alongside Jack P Shepherd, Ben Price and David Neilson.

Colson also gave a closer look at the talents of Corrie’s makeup team who covered him in realistic injuries, and the emotional leaving gifts he received from his former colleagues, including Craig’s epaulettes being framed.

Alongside the post, he shared: “My dump from my final block as Craig Tinker on Coronation Street. Thank you for having me [orange heart emoji].”

Colson’s final day filming was actually on Roy’s Rolls(Image: Colson Smith Instagram)

And his co-stars, both past and present, were quick to respond. Bethany Platt star Lucy Fallon said: “i try to say gdbye n i choke,” surrounded by broken heart emojis as she referenced Colson listening to the Macy Gray track as he arrived for his last day on the cobbles.

Ellie Leach, who played on-screen girlfriend Faye Windass, replied: “Love you always tinks.” Sophie Webster actress Brooke Vincent simply replied: “Crying.” Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Battersby, simply posted a single tear crying emoji. Debbie Webster actress Sue Devaney shared: “We miss you our Cols! We love you!”

Fans were also quick to show their love and support. @iamchelseagray said: “Devastating loss to the show. You’ve been such a joy to watch, and will be missed tremendously. Good luck in all you go on to do Colson.”

@catherinexx12 commented: “Brb bawling my eyes out! We love you Colson.” @jadelouisehall1987 wrote: “Biggest mistake killing you off my fav so sad.” @lifewithemmmaaaa posted: “Corrie won’t ever be the same. Whoever gets you next is going to be soooooo lucky.” @villagal1 added: “Poor poor Craig … will miss you.”