Coronation Street fans are still reeling from the dramatic and violent end of Craig Tinker, a character who has been a familiar and comforting face on the cobbles for over a decade. But while Craig’s shocking death sent shockwaves through Weatherfield, actor Coulson Smith has made it clear that his own story is far from over.

After months of speculation and hints, Smith confirmed via Instagram that he is embarking on an exciting new chapter—this time, behind the microphone. The actor shared a photo of himself beaming next to the iconic BBC logo, announcing his new role at BBC Radio Leeds. “Catch me on the wireless this summer,” he teased, expressing deep gratitude for the outpouring of love from loyal Corrie fans following Craig’s exit.

But let’s rewind. Craig’s brutal death wasn’t just a dramatic plot device—it marked a significant turning point in several interconnected storylines that had been slowly simmering for months. The affable, rule-abiding police officer met his end at the hands of Mick Melis, a ruthless new villain portrayed with chilling charisma by Joe Leighton. Their confrontation wasn’t just a one-off fight—it was the culmination of Craig’s growing involvement in a dangerous undercover investigation that spiraled tragically out of control.

For viewers, the emotional stakes were enormous. Craig had always been the moral compass of the street—kind, honest, loyal to a fault. His commitment to justice, his steady relationship with Faye, and his devotion to the residents of Weatherfield made his murder all the more harrowing. The ripple effects of his death are only beginning to unfold, setting up future conflicts and deep personal reckonings.

Smith revealed in a recent interview that he had known for quite some time that his days on the soap were numbered. “With all the other characters connected to Craig being written out, I had a feeling I’d be next,” he said candidly. Far from being upset, Smith saw the exit as an opportunity for creative growth. “I was actually thrilled to be killed off. It gave me a proper exit—something memorable.”

Indeed, memorable is the right word. Craig’s final scenes were harrowing and heartbreaking, capturing the quiet bravery of a character who, despite his flaws, never gave up on doing the right thing. And Smith’s performance—subtle, layered, and emotionally raw—reminded fans why they had connected with Craig in the first place.

As the dust settles on Craig’s storyline, the show is already laying the groundwork for what’s next. Mick Melis, the man responsible for Craig’s death, is poised to become a central figure in the street’s future dramas. Actor Joe Leighton shared an amusing behind-the-scenes moment from his first day on set: “I walked into the green room, met Coulson, and he said, ‘I think you’re going to kill me.’ And I said, ‘I think I might.’” That eerie prediction became grim reality on-screen, but it was handled with the gravitas it deserved.

Meanwhile, Coronation Street is bracing for yet another departure. Daniel Brocklebank, who has played beloved vicar Billy Mayhew for nearly a decade, has announced he’ll be leaving the soap next year as part of a major storyline. While details remain under wraps, fans are already speculating about whether Billy’s departure will somehow tie into Craig’s or if it will usher in a new wave of upheaval in Weatherfield.

Back on the real-life side of things, Coulson Smith is diving headfirst into his new media career. While he teased “a few exciting things” on the horizon, his gig at BBC Radio Leeds appears to be just the beginning. For Smith, who has grown up in front of the cameras, stepping into radio marks both a bold reinvention and a homecoming of sorts. His warmth, charm, and natural storytelling ability—so evident in his acting—will no doubt make him a favorite on the airwaves.

Messages of support flooded in from his former co-stars. Lucy Fallon, who played Bethany Platt, affectionately dubbed him “Big Bad Coulson,” while Andy Whyment (Kirk Sutherland) chimed in with a simple but heartfelt “Love it, mate.” It’s clear that Smith’s impact on the Coronation Street cast has been just as powerful off-screen as it was on.

Still, fans are grappling with the emotional toll of losing Craig. His death not only leaves a gaping hole in the community, but also forces characters like Faye, Gary, and even Roy Cropper to confront their own choices and vulnerabilities. Will the pursuit of justice lead to more heartbreak? Or will Craig’s death galvanize others to fight back against the rising tide of corruption and violence?

As Coronation Street writers begin to thread Craig’s loss into the broader narrative tapestry of Weatherfield, one thing is certain: the shockwaves of his murder will be felt for months to come. And with Coulson Smith forging a new path, audiences can continue to support an actor whose journey has only just begun.

Whether he’s upholding the law on the cobbles or spinning records and sharing stories on the radio, one thing’s for sure—Coulson Smith’s voice will still be heard. And in both the world of entertainment and the hearts of fans, that voice remains one worth listening to.