After an extraordinary 14-year run on Coronation Street, Colson Smith is saying farewell to the cobbles—and fans are bracing for an emotional goodbye. His departure doesn’t just mark the end of Craig Tinker’s journey—it closes the book on a character who grew up before the viewers’ eyes, evolving from a shy, awkward schoolboy into one of Weatherfield’s most quietly resilient heroes. As the actor bows out, the ripple effects of Craig’s exit are already beginning to shake the street to its core.

Introduced in 2011, Craig Tinker initially entered the soap as a secondary character, the son of the brash Beth Sutherland. But it didn’t take long for Colson Smith’s portrayal to endear Craig to the audience. Through storylines that tackled everything from mental health and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to intense police drama and relationship trials, Craig’s arc has become one of Coronation Street’s most emotionally resonant and grounded character journeys.

And now, just as Craig was finding solid ground in both career and love, everything is being upended.

A Legacy of Vulnerability and Strength

What made Craig such a standout character wasn’t flashiness or scandal, but authenticity. He offered something rare in a show brimming with drama—an earnest, good-hearted presence who wrestled with real-life issues. His ongoing struggle with OCD—portrayed with nuance and vulnerability—earned praise not just from viewers but also from mental health advocates. Through Craig, Coronation Street gave a face to a condition that is often misunderstood, and Colson’s heartfelt performance gave it weight and emotional texture.

As a police officer, Craig’s role brought him into the heart of numerous dramatic arcs—some that tested his principles, others that strained his relationships. From getting entangled in covering up crimes for those he loved to exposing corruption within his own department, Craig constantly walked a moral tightrope. Every decision he made came with emotional consequences, both for himself and for those around him.

Craig and Faye: A Love Cut Short

At the center of Craig’s emotional core in recent years has been his rollercoaster relationship with Faye Windass. Their romance was anything but straightforward—from teenage confusion to adult betrayal, miscarriage trauma, and legal battles. They tried to make it work, to build a stable future together, but life and heartbreak kept getting in the way.

When Faye departed the street last year, leaving Craig heartbroken and directionless, many viewers wondered if that would signal the end of his arc. Instead, it led to a deeper dive into Craig’s emotional world. He tried to push forward—committing further to the police force, throwing himself into routine—but there was always a heaviness in his steps, a lingering sense of loss.

Now, with Craig also stepping away from the cobbles, the love story between him and Faye may never find true closure. And perhaps that’s the most realistic heartbreak of all: that some endings don’t come with neat bows or second chances.

The Actor’s Journey: Colson Smith Grows Up on Screen

For Colson Smith, leaving Coronation Street is more than a professional move—it’s a life shift. At just 12 years old when he first appeared on screen, he has spent nearly half his life growing up in front of millions. Viewers have not only witnessed Craig’s development, but Colson’s transformation as well—from a shy young actor into a confident performer with a strong presence and a passion for storytelling.

His time on the show has not been without its challenges. Colson has been candid about his struggles with body image and the pressure that can come with fame. His personal transformation—both physical and emotional—has been widely documented, and he’s earned respect for his transparency and resilience. His journey off-screen mirrors Craig’s in many ways: a young man learning to navigate the world, tripping over the same hurdles so many fans can relate to.

With his exit, Colson leaves not only as a beloved character but as a testament to the staying power of slow-burn, character-driven storytelling.

A Street Left Reeling

Craig’s departure won’t just impact fans—it will send emotional shockwaves through the rest of Weatherfield. Beth, never shy about her feelings, is likely to react with a mix of heartbreak and denial. Will she blame herself for pushing him too hard, or lash out at those closest to him in her grief? And what about the force? Craig’s quiet morality often acted as a conscience within the Weatherfield police—without him, who steps into that role?

The departure leaves a vacancy, not just in the police department but in the emotional landscape of the Street. Longtime residents who saw Craig grow from child to man will feel his absence deeply. And viewers—many of whom grew up alongside him—will be left to mourn not just the character but the familiar, comforting thread of his presence.

What’s Next for Colson?

While Coronation Street closes a chapter, Colson Smith is only beginning a new one. The actor has hinted at exciting opportunities beyond the cobbles, and with his recent physical transformation and growing social media following, he’s poised to take on diverse roles that challenge both him and his audience.

He’s already dipped his toes into documentaries and independent projects, showcasing a hunger for reinvention. Whether it’s theatre, film, or further work in TV, it’s clear that Colson is ready to explore new creative ground.

Fans will undoubtedly follow him with curiosity—and with the kind of loyalty only 14 years of heartfelt storytelling can earn.

Final Farewell: A Character That Changed the Street

Craig Tinker’s goodbye isn’t just a goodbye—it’s a reflection on how far the Street has come, and how integral he became to its emotional heart. Through heartache, humor, trauma, and triumph, Craig offered viewers a rare kind of character: one who showed that strength can be quiet, kindness can be powerful, and real heroism often comes without fanfare.

As Colson Smith steps away, he takes with him a legacy that will linger on the cobbles for years to come. And though the door may be closing, Coronation Street fans know that in Weatherfield, no goodbye is ever truly final.