Colson Smith has opened up about what he’ll miss most after being axed from Coronation Street.
Earlier this week, it was revealed bosses were writing out his character Craig Tinker after 14 years on the cobbles.
Colson has since reacted to the news on the On The Sofa podcast he hosts with co-stars Ben Price and Jack P. Shepherd, who play Nick Tilsley and David Platt.
Recalling the day he found out, Colson admitted he felt something was up after being called to a 7pm meeting after filming one evening.
‘The hardest bit was walking down the stairs knowing you two were there,’ he told Ben and Jack.
‘I just stood in the doorway of the green room and just looked at you two.’
Colson said the trio then went to Nando’s after he was dealt the news.
He continued: ‘The thing I’m going to miss more than anything in the world isn’t Craig Tinker, it’s the green room.
‘I have learned everything about life in that building.
‘Every good day I’ve had in my life and every bad day I’ve had in my life, I’ve been in there.’
Colson admitted he kept the news quiet from many other cast members as it was Helen Worth’s final week on set as Gail Platt.
Viewers saw the actress bow out from Corrie on Christmas Day after 50 years on the show.
Since her exit, a slew of other cast departures have been announced.
Last week, Sue Cleaver revealed she is leaving her role as Eileen Grimshaw behind after 25 years on the Street.
News of Colson’s exit came on the same day that Luca Toolan’s Mason Radcliffe was killed off on screen.
It was then announced that Charlotte Jordan has quit her role as Daisy Midgeley after a dramatic four years in the soap, explaining that she wants to ‘explore other opportunities.’
Metro also previously revealed that Sue Devaney is being written out as Debbie Webster, with the character taking centre stage in a hard-hitting dementia storyline.
While Colson is sad to be leaving Coronation Street, the actor previously said in a statement that he is ‘excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy’.
‘For me, this is the end of the beginning,’ he said. ‘I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter two has in store for me.’
He was inundated with messages of support and love from many of his cast mates on Instagram.
Among them was Sue Devaney, who 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.’
