Tinker actor Corrie bye...

COLSON ANNOUNCES HE'S LEAVING SOAP AFTER 14 YEARS

- JESSICA SANSOME

A NUMBER of Coronation Street stars have shared their love for Colson Smith as he confirmed he will be leaving the programme this year after more than a decade.

The actor initially came into the ITV soap as Craig Tinker for just two episodes with his mum, Beth Tinker, played by Lisa George.

But 13 years have since passed by and viewers have seen Craig – and Colson – grow up on screen.

However, Colson confirmed on Monday evening that as he prepares to mark 14 years in Weatherfield this summer, his time as his policing alter-ego is coming to an end.

In a social media post, shared to X and Instagram alongside a picture of himself portraying Craig as a police officer, he said: “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.