Coronation Street’s Colson Smith has taken to social media to share his “incredible” experience. The TV star has recently traded the UK for Kenya to take part in a fitness retreat and train with some of the talented professional runners. Colson bid farewell to his role as Craig Tinker on the iconic cobbles in heartbreaking scenes earlier this year.

The former Coronation Street star has kept busy since leaving his role. He arrived in Kenya at the start of the week for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. On social media, Colson posted a photograph of himself in Nairobi, Kenya as well as some snaps of the safari animals. The 26-year-old wrote: “Day 1 of a very special trip! Super grateful!” alongside some safari animals.

Photos shared by the actor showed giraffes, lions, rhinos and leopards. Former co-stars including Andy Whyment and Sally Ann Matthews commented about the safari trip.

Andy, who plays Kirk Sutherland, wrote: “Have an amazing time mate” and Sally who recently announced she would be leaving the role of Jenny Bradley, commented “Oh wow! Have a fabulous time.”

Colson has been keeping his followers updated throughout the entirety of his trip, regularly uploading stories of his runs and incredible experiences.

He recently shared that he had spent the day with the Gathimba Edwards Foundation, a charity which supports families and young children in Kenya. After saying that he had got used to the hot climate, Colson spoke to his followers about his “incredible day.”

Since his final scenes aired, Colson has provided plenty of career insights on social media and he has not been short of jobs. He has appeared as a presenter on ITV’s This Morning, typically hosting competitions and speaking to viewers from a location away from the studio.

Colson is also diving into a fresh career path as he joins the team at BBC Radio Leeds. Giving two thumbs up in the radio studio, he captioned a post in May: “Day 1, on the mic. First day as a presenter on BBC Radio, covering across Yorkshire! A huge thank you to those that joined me! Same time and place next week! See you then.”

In May, viewers were in tears when Craig Tinker fell victim to a vicious assault by Mick Michaelis. The soap star had played Craig since he was 11 years old. The Weatherfield police officer was killed off as Colson said goodbye to the show.

Former and current Coronation Street stars gathered for a farewell party after Colson’s last day on set in March. The celebrations came after a heartfelt message about his time on the show.

Speaking ahead of his departure, Colson wrote: “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinkers time on the Cobbles is to come to end in 2025. I’ve LOVED every single second of my 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 learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I’m excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy.”