Coronation Street fans support axed star as he confirms what 'won't change' after exit

Coronation Street star Colson Smith has been flooded with support as he confirmed what 'won't change' after his upcoming exit from Weatherfield.

The actor recently surprised fans as he told how cobbles chiefs had decided to get rid of his character Craig Tinker, who he has played since 2011. His exit is seemingly set for early in 2025, potentially leaving him short of marking 14 years in the role this summer.

Colson confirmed the news himself on Monday evening (January 6) in a social media post, shared to X and Instagram alongside a picture of himself portraying Craig as a police officer. He announced: "Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker's time on the Cobbles is to come to end in 2025.

"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."

The 26-year-old added: "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!"

It was then on Wednesday (July 8), Colson spoke about his exit alongside Corrie actors Jack P Shepherd and Ben Price during the latest episode of their podcast, On the Sofa with Colson, Jack, and Ben.

To mark the special episode, he shared a video update on Instagram in which he said: "Hi everybody. I just want to say a massive thank you to you all for all your messages, your love, your support over the past two days. It means the world to me that there's been so much love for little Craigy Tinker. I appreciate dearly and I'm sure he would too..."

Alongside the clip he wrote: "Can’t thank you enough for the all love regards the news that our Craigy Tinker is leaving the cobbles! You can hear all about it on On The Sofa RIGHT NOW! (Follow the link in the bio of @onthesofashow or search on Apple or Spotify)."

But Colson's Corrie exit did spark some worry from fans that he'd also be off the podcast. He seemingly responded to the concern when one fan asked: "Will you still keep doing the podcast @colsonjsmith?" to which he said: "Yep no change there."