Coronation Street fans think they know who is set to replace Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) as the local bobby after spotting a new character in a recent episode.
Craig is set to depart the cobbles later this year after 14 years, with actor Colson Smith having announced his departure on social media.
‘Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the Cobbles is to come to end in 2025,’ he wrote on Instagram.
‘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.’
Colson joined the show at just 12-years-old, and has been part of some huge storylines over the years, including one that saw his character Craig diagnosed with OCD.
After leaving school, Craig decided to become a police officer, and has been trying to keep the residents of Weatherfield in check ever since.
However, it seems that another copper is already getting ready to step into his role, and he caught viewers’ attention in a recent episode.
On Monday night, Chesney Brown (Sam Aston) received a visit from the police, who revealed that they needed to talk to him about damage to a van.
Fans of the show will remember that Chesney was being stalked by someone in a white van after an incident in Freshco’s car park.
Could this new officer be Craig’s replacement? (Picture: ITV)
To get revenge, he poured sugar into the van’s petrol tank – but now it seems he’s been caught.
Taking to a Facebook fan group, viewers discussed the appearance of the new policeman, wondering if we’re set to see more of him following Craig’s departure.
‘Did anyone else notice the new police officer? Don’t know where he came from!’ One fan said, to which another replied: ‘It’s ar Craigy’s replacement.’
Their sentiments were echoed by another fan who wrote, ‘He’s the new Craig,’ while a fourth said: ‘I saw him too, wonder if he will be the new officer on the street?’
The police presence on Coronation Street has stepped up in recent months with the introduction of DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) and DC Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) as permanent characters.
Last year, they had their work cut out for them as they attempted to hunt down Lauren Bolton’s (Cait Fitton) attacker.
After it came to light that Joel Deering was responsible, the investigation turned to finding his murderer.
Could this new police officer be set to join them on more crime-fighting missions, as Craig heads off to pastures new?
