Coronation Street cast declare love for beloved axed co-star as he leaves after 14 years
The cast of Coronation Street have shared their support for Colson Smith after it was revealed he is being written out as Craig Tinker.
Earlier this week, the actor confirmed his character will leave the ITV soap later in 2025 after 14 years on the cobbles.
News of his exit followed the announcement Sue Cleaver had quit her role as Eileen Grimshaw after 25 years and confirmation of the end for Sue Devaney’s character Debbie Webster.
After the story hit the press, Colson shared a post about his exit on Instagram, on which many of his co-stars commented.
Sue Devaney said: ‘Love you Cols. so proud of you. Looking forward to watching your journey and can’t wait to see all your new exciting projects come to fruition!
‘Shine bright young man and can we still have a party in your mega garden please? xxxx.’
Andy Whyment, who plays Kirk Sutherland, penned: ‘I’m still absolutely gutted and you know how much you’re gonna be missed by us all.
‘But I’m also really excited for you as I know you’re going to do really well, and you won’t be getting rid of me we’re friends for life now.’
Georgia Taylor, who plays Toyah Battersby, wrote: ‘We love you Cols.’
Lucy Fallon, who is set to temporarily depart her role as Bethany Platt when she goes on maternity leave later this year, said: ‘Now that i’ve stopped crying about it, i can’t WAIT to see you slay the day. X.’
Alan Halsall, better known as Tyrone Dobbs, said: ‘Gutted mate, but also excited for you, get out there and smash it.’
Channique Sterling-Brown, who plays Dee-Dee Bailey, commented: ‘We love you.’
Rovers landlady Jenny Bradley, aka actress Sally Ann Matthews, added: ‘Grandma loves ya and can’t wait to watch you fly! X.’
In a statement, Colson said: ‘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.’
Since news of Colson’s exit was revealed, it has emerged that Charlotte Jordan will also be leaving the soap as Daisy Midgeley this year.
She told The Sun she was quitting the soap after five years as she wants to ‘explore other opportunities’.
