Soap fans have been left in tears after a beloved character was written out of today’s episode (Wednesday 21 May) after 13 years on the cobbles.

Earlier this week, viewers will remember that Craig Tinker, portrayed by Colson Smith, was summoned to a disturbance at Mick and Lou Michaelis’ residence, where he was dismissed by Lou.

Before this, during Kit Green and Mick’s disagreement, Kit hinted to Mick that Lou might not be as faithful as he believes, sowing a seed of doubt.

In last week’s special flashback episode, it was disclosed that Kit and Lou had an affair while Mick was incarcerated, suggesting that he could potentially be Brody’s biological father, reports Leicestershire Live.

After Craig investigated the disturbance, Mick made a hasty exit, clutching a baseball bat and a bottle of alcohol as he sped off in his van seeking revenge on Kit.

Meanwhile, an unaware Craig, who was trying to impress Kit during his CID placement, took matters into his own hands when he noticed Mick driving recklessly.

After stopping Mick’s car, the furious and intoxicated criminal assaulted Craig, striking him over the head with his baseball bat and leaving him lifeless on the ground before speeding off.

On Wednesday night’s gripping episode, Maria Connor was shaken when she came across Craig’s body, with Asha Alahan swiftly acting as the first paramedic on the scene, rushing him to hospital, while DS Lisa Swain looked on in horror at her assaulted officer.

Craig, experiencing brain swelling and briefly regaining consciousness, was unable to clearly recount his ordeal before his condition tragically worsened in harrowing scenes.

In a distressing turn of events, Craig succumbed to a cardiac arrest, and despite the medical team’s efforts with CPR, he was devastatingly pronounced dead.

From behind the glass pane, Kirk Sutherland, Maria, and Asha were united in grief, reeling from the announcement of Craig’s death.

Devastated Coronation Street fans took to Twitter, now X, over the scenes with one astonished viewer commenting: “That episode just gave me goosebumps, omg it was eerie, so powerful. RIP Tinks, you were a real one xx” while another lamented: “We’ve literally watched craig grow up on our screens, now we’ve just gotta say goodbye to him? ? forever? ? ? ? nah this is sick #corrie.”

Another emotional fan posted: “Crying is never great at 7:53 am! Congrats to all involved in todays episode @realsamia @VixMyers @JacobRoberts90 @tinaobrienr4 @tanishagorey were especially amazing #PCTINKS #corrie “, while an additional viewer mentioned: “How can I know Craig’s dying but I’m sobbing anyway? #Corrie” and yet another added: “Some scenes don’t just move you, they stay with you. That was today.”

Viewers have been left reeling from the emotionally charged episode, with one fan saying: “Today’s episode hit hard. Gut-wrenching and unforgettable. Every performance? Flawless. #swarla #corrie”, another expressing: “Everyone watching through the window as they call time of death. just rip my soul out why don’t you, I am a broken woman #Corrie” and another was moved to tears early on: “It’s just gone half 7 and @VixMyers you had already got me in tears what a powerhouse you are #Corrie #VickyMyers.”

Speculation is now brewing among soap fans that Craig’s tragic death might prompt the return of his mother, Beth Tinker.

With scenes ahead showing Kirk informing Beth about her son’s fate, the update will come as a shock to Beth who departed the cobbles last year after a 13-year tenure following blackmail by Kit. Beth debuted on the show 14 years ago in 2011.

Fans are mulling over the storyline outcomes with comments like: “Surely Beth Tinker will return for her Craigy’s demise #Corrie”, a different fan wrote: “If Craig dies, does that mean Beth will come back for his funeral? You know, being his mum and that… #corrie” while another added: “It would make no sense if Beth did not return for his funeral.”