Craig Tinker’s Journey: A Character Fans Grew Up With

For over 14 years, actor Colson Smith has portrayed the loyal, earnest, and often awkward police officer Craig Tinker, endearing himself to Coronation Street audiences.

Introduced as a teenage misfit with a heart of gold, Craig’s evolution from an insecure youth into a proud member of the Weatherfield police force has been one of the soap’s most consistent long-term arcs.

But the journey is nearing its final chapter.

In January, Colson shocked fans when he confirmed he would be departing the show, revealing that the decision to write Craig out had been made by producers late last year. Now, with the storylines aligning and clues mounting, the pieces of Craig’s potential exit are beginning to fall into place.

A Celebration with a Hint of Goodbye

Tonight’s episode offered viewers the first major hint of what might be in store for Craig. Appearing in high spirits, he dropped into Roy’s café for a celebratory tea and Eccles cake—a simple scene, but one brimming with unspoken weight.

Roy Cropper, ever the astute observer, quickly picked up on Craig’s buoyant mood and inquired about the cause for celebration. That’s when Craig delivered the news: he’s been selected for a new placement with Weatherfield’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID)—a prestigious move up the police ranks.

“Thank you Roy,” Craig said with quiet pride. “I just hope this one makes my career progress more than the last one.”

The moment seemed innocent enough. But longtime fans of the soap know that such promotions rarely come without peril.

Exit Rumors and a Possible Tragic Fate

Colson Smith’s departure has been cloaked in secrecy. Although the actor confirmed in March that he had already filmed his final scenes—with “plenty of tears” marking the end of an era—he has been tight-lipped about what actually happens to Craig.

However, rumors circulating in the press are painting a much darker picture. According to a report by The Sun, Craig’s storyline may conclude in tragedy, with insiders hinting that he could die in the line of duty.

While nothing is officially confirmed, the timing of his transfer to CID is raising eyebrows. The department handles some of the most dangerous and high-stakes cases in the force—murders, organized crime, and violent offenders. For a character like Craig, whose moral compass and bravery have often been front and center, a heroic but devastating end seems tragically fitting.

Could Craig’s move to CID be the beginning of the end? Is this celebrated promotion actually setting the stage for his most dangerous case yet?

The Actor’s Life Beyond the Cobbles

Off-screen, Colson Smith is already looking toward the next chapter in his career. In a recent episode of the On The Sofa podcast, which he co-hosts alongside fellow Corrie stars Ben Price and Jack P Shepherd, Colson opened up about his first audition after Coronation Street—for a role in the upcoming BBC crime-comedy Ludwig.

Although he expressed doubts about landing the role—”I knew I wasn’t going to get it, sort of thing… but it was just a nice experience to get out and do it”—his comments signal a new phase in his career. After 14 years on the same show, Colson is ready to stretch his wings.

His time on Coronation Street saw him mature not just as a character, but as an actor. From lighthearted storylines about teenage crushes to emotional plots involving OCD, Craig’s arc gave Colson the opportunity to showcase serious dramatic chops. It’s no surprise that fans and industry insiders are watching closely to see where he lands next.

Craig Tinker’s Legacy on the Cobbles

Craig Tinker may not have always been the flashiest character in Weatherfield, but his unwavering loyalty, big heart, and moral integrity made him a cornerstone of the street. He’s been a rock for his mother Beth, a friend to characters like Faye and Kirk, and a trusted presence within the police force—even when facing inner struggles, including his powerful storyline surrounding obsessive-compulsive disorder.

His development over the years has been a quiet triumph—proof that Coronation Street knows how to build compelling, character-driven storytelling across the long haul. Should Craig’s story end in tragedy, it will leave a significant emotional impact on both the characters within the show and the millions of viewers who’ve watched him grow up.

A Farewell Fit for a Hero?

As the soap prepares for this major turning point, viewers are bracing for heartbreak. If the rumors prove true and Craig Tinker is indeed killed off in the line of duty, Coronation Street will be saying goodbye not just to a character—but to a piece of its soul.

Craig’s departure could mark one of the most emotional and memorable exits in recent years, following in the footsteps of other heroic departures that have defined the show’s legacy. Whether his end comes with a bang or in more subdued fashion, one thing is certain: Craig Tinker will not be forgotten.

Stay Tuned for What’s Next

With Craig’s CID transfer now official and the tension quietly building, all eyes are on the coming weeks. Will the storyline confirm viewers’ worst fears? Or is there another twist in the tale?

Whatever happens, Coronation Street is poised to deliver a powerful, poignant exit for Craig Tinker—a character who brought heart, humor, and heroism to the cobbles.