ITV Coronation Street star Colson Smith reunites with soap co-star after emotional exit
Colson Smith's character Craig Tinker was killed off in Coronation Street, leaving fans of the soap heartbroken earlier this year.
Coronation Street’s Craig Tinker actor Colson Smith left the cobbles earlier this year(Image: ITV)
Former Corrie star Colson Smith had a sweet reunion with his on-screen partner following his departure from the popular soap. Colson, who portrayed Craig Tinker, had been a part of the show since 2011.
However, his time on the programme came to a close recently when his character met a tragic end while on duty as a police officer. It was no surprise that Colson, 26, would be leaving Coronation Street, after announcing the news back in January.
At the time, he shared a photo of himself in his character’s police uniform, standing on the iconic cobbles, and expressed: “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the Cobbles is to come to end in 2025.”
Reflecting on his 14-year tenure on the show, Colson mentioned that he had thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. He felt extremely fortunate to have grown up amid the ITV soap environment, crediting the people involved with the show for teaching him valuable life lessons.
Ellie and Colson were reunited at Soccer Aid 2025(Image: Instagram)
After Colson finished filming his final scenes for Coronation Street earlier this year in March, his character’s tragic demise at the hands of newcomer Mick Michaelis unfolded in heartbreaking scenes last month. Craig had been a part of the Weatherfield community since 2011.
On Sunday June 15, the beloved former soap star was spotted lending a helping hand at Soccer Aid for UNICEF as reported by the Manchester Evening News, hosted at Manchester United’s iconic stadium Old Trafford.
Colson Smith joined the roster of famous faces manning the ‘appreciation station’, fielding calls from generous individuals keen to donate. Brothers Adam and Ryan Thomas, Strictly Come Dancing’s Nadiya Bychkova, and Dragons’ Den investor Sara Davies were also among the celebs involved.
However it was one reunion that got everyone talking, as Colson’s ex-Coronation Street pal and on-screen romantic interest Ellie Leach as Colson gleefully posed together with her for a selfie, marking a sweet reunion nearly two years post their on-screen split.
Amid the glitzy charity football extravaganza broadcast live on television, Colson shared an Instagram snapshot as he busied himself with the hotline. His accompanying caption was cheerful: “Ey Up, it’s Colson at Soccer Aid HQ here! How may I help you? ! ?”.
The actor’s fans didn’t take long to pour in their encouragement. One person expressed: “So proud of u! !” Meanwhile, another quipped, “Nice one col..”
One fan exclaimed: “I love this! !” with another enthusiastic fan reacting to the post as they chimed: “LOVE THIS!”