Coronation Street star Colson Smith has shared his disappointment at missing out on a major achievement ahead of his exit from the ITV soap.
The Craig Tinker actor announced his departure on social media earlier this year, and was flooded with support from fans and co-stars.
‘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 at the time.
He continued: ‘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 learnt 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 just the end of the beginning.
‘I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!’
Coronation Street cast exits – who is going?
Sue Devaney as Debbie Webster
Fans have been left distraught at news of Debbie’s upcoming departure, with the character being written out as part of a storyline focusing on dementia.
A source told Metro: ‘It’s one of the show’s biggest storylines of the year, and a real chance for Sue to finally get her time in the spotlight – it will just be devastating for fans that it will effectively be her final storyline.
‘It’s one of many major storylines new boss Kate Brooks has in the bag, and there will not be a dry eye in the house.
‘There is no doubt in the Corrie family that she will give the performance of a lifetime and make Debbie’s exit one to remember for years.’
Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw
Loose Women and I’m A Celebrity star Sue has been central to the show for two and a half decades but now she will be saying goodbye.
She confirmed: ‘I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.’
‘The door is still firmly open, but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures, and live fearlessly.’
Colson Smith as Craig Tinker
After 14 years, Corrie has decided to also write out police officer Craig, with the actor sharing his love for the show on social media following the decision, delivered to him last year.
He said: ‘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 learnt 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 just the end of the beginning.
‘I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!’
Charlotte Jordan as Daisy Midgeley
After a very busy four years on the show, Daisy is set to leave as part of a currently to-secret explosive storyline, with Charlotte keen to try other projects.
She said in a statement: ‘My time at Coronation Street is something I’ll always cherish.
‘After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.
‘It’s been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much.’
Shelley King as Yasmeen Metcalfe
After 10 years, Yasmeen will be departing the cobbles – and she has already filmed her final scenes in December, so expect her last episode soon.
Metro understands that she won’t be killed off.
A show insider has clarified: ‘Shelley spoke to producers early last year and advised that after 10 years on the show and being involved in many major storylines during the past decade she had decided the time has come for her to explore other opportunities.
‘Shelley is an accomplished stage and television actress and we fully understand her desire to take her career in another direction after 10 years playing the same role.
‘She filmed her final scenes in December.’
Paddy Bever as Max Turner
With Paddy having filmed his final scenes, it is expected he will leave in spring.
‘After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max, and Coronation Street, to explore new opportunities. I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way, Paddy, 22, said in a statement.
Talking to The Mirror, he added: ‘It’s been a great privilege to contribute to the legacy of such a well-loved and iconic show. This chapter has been unforgettable and while I look forward to what lies ahead, I will treasure these memories.’
In a recent episode of the On The Sofa Podcast, Colson told co-hosts and Corrie colleagues Ben Price and Jack P Shepherd that despite spending 14 years on the cobbles, he was unable to achieve his ‘life goal’.
‘They’ve said it’s 14 [years]. Less than a thousand episodes though. That was my goal in life. I think I’m 150 off.’
The actor previously revealed that the hardest part about being axed from the show was facing the Nick Tilsley and David Platt actors, who are good friends in real life.
‘The hardest bit was walking down the stairs knowing you two were there,’ he told them.
‘I just stood in the doorway of the green room and just looked at you two.’
He went on to say that the trio shared a hug before he asked them to accompany him to Nando’s.
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.’
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Colson has received a lot of love and support following his exit announcement, but it was a call from show legend Barbara Knox, who plays Rita Tanner, that left him ‘taken aback’.
‘When everyone found out I was leaving, I had one conversation which I was really surprised by, which was a phone call from a withheld number,’ he said, confirming that the caller was none other than Barbara.
‘She said: “People come and go all the time… and there’s some people who are there who love the show. You’re one of those people and I just want to say thank you for all the time that I’ve spent with you and the way that you treat me”.
‘And I was like: “I appreciated this phone call a lot”. And then she basically said: “Good luck. I really hope that something comes for you”.’
