Coronation Street legend axed after 14 years – but has ‘brilliant’ exit
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Coronation Street star Colson Smith, who plays Craig Tinker, has been axed after 14 years. But the actor is taking it well, assuring everyone that he is excited for the future and promising a ‘brilliant’ exit for his copper character. The dispatch comes amid a wave of cast changes under new producer Kate Brooks.
![[Craig Tinker in police uniform in Coronation Street]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_210775884-6cef-e1736197851993.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Following the exit of Gail Platt (Helen Worth) after half a century, Metro exclusively confirmed the end for Sue Devaney’s Debbie Webster, who will battle dementia over the next year in a powerful storyline. Meanwhile, Sue Cleaver confirmed she is leaving her Eileen Grimshaw role after 25 years.
![[Craig Tinker and Leanne Battersby look stressed together in Coronation Street]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_232051078-6b48.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
And Kate told us that there are others to come, saying: ‘There are a few exits this year, and some unexpected ones that will send shockwaves. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video.
Up Next. ‘People might not expect the exits, but there are a few.’. Having joined the show as a child, Colson – also known for a stint in Celebrity Big Brother – will say his goodbyes in coming months. The actor told MailOnline: ‘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. For me, this is the end of the beginning.
