Weatherfield prepares to say goodbye to one of its most beloved residents, Craig Tinker, in what could be a heartbreaking farewell destined to leave viewers in tears. After 14 years on the cobbles, actor Colson Smith’s time as the loyal police officer is nearing its end — and the show is setting the stage for a dramatic, possibly tragic, exit.

This week on Coronation Street, Craig was all smiles as he delivered some life-changing news to Roy Cropper at the café. Popping in for his usual cup of tea and a slice of Eccles cake, the cheerful copper was clearly in high spirits. When Roy asked what had him in such a good mood, Craig didn’t hesitate to share that he’d just secured a new placement in the Weatherfield Criminal Investigations Department.

Roy, ever the supportive friend, congratulated Craig on the achievement. Craig, hopeful and optimistic, admitted he was looking forward to a fresh start and said he hoped this new position would finally give his career the momentum it needed. But beneath the surface of his enthusiasm lies a shadow — fans who’ve followed the actor’s real-life announcements know that something bigger is brewing behind the scenes.

Earlier this year, Colson Smith confirmed that he would be leaving the soap after more than a decade. While he stayed tight-lipped about how Craig would exit the show, his final scenes have already been filmed, and cast members have admitted the farewell was filled with emotion and tears.

Speculation is now mounting that Craig’s departure won’t be a quiet one — far from it. Several reports suggest that his exit storyline could be both dramatic and devastating. According to rumors circulating in the press, Craig might not just transfer out of Weatherfield — he may lose his life in the line of duty.

Though the show has yet to confirm any such twist, insiders suggest that the beloved officer may be caught up in a major crime storyline this summer that ends in tragedy. With his new role in CID placing him closer to dangerous investigations, the stakes are now higher than ever for Craig.

Could this new chapter in his professional life be the beginning of the end?

Craig’s transition to the criminal investigations department is a major step up, especially for someone who has long struggled to be taken seriously in his career. It’s clear he views this as a chance to finally prove himself. But with that promotion comes higher risks — and the possibility of facing dangerous criminals head-on. If the rumors are true, Craig may soon find himself in over his head, leading to a moment of bravery that could cost him everything.

The idea that Craig could die a hero is both fitting and heartbreaking. As a character, he has always been well-intentioned, loyal, and eager to serve his community. Watching him grow from a shy, awkward teenager into a committed officer of the law has been one of the show’s more grounded and relatable character arcs.

But while fans are preparing themselves for the worst, Colson Smith is already looking to the future. In a recent interview on the On The Sofa podcast, which he co-hosts with Corrie castmates Ben Price and Jack P. Shepherd, Smith spoke candidly about auditioning for his first role post-Coronation Street. Though he didn’t get the part — a role in the BBC crime dramedy Ludvig — he said the experience was valuable and motivating.

“I knew I wasn’t going to get it, sort of thing,” Smith confessed, noting it was a big production and he was again auditioning for a role as a police officer. “But it was just a nice experience to get out and do it.” His remarks reflect a mix of humility and excitement for what lies ahead.

For Corrie fans, however, the focus remains on Craig’s final chapter in Weatherfield. If the spoilers and rumors hold true, viewers should brace themselves for a farewell filled with emotion, tension, and possibly tragedy. Whether Craig dies heroically while saving someone or becomes entangled in a criminal plot gone wrong, it’s clear the show is crafting an ending worthy of his 14-year journey.

There’s also the question of how his departure will affect those around him — especially his mother Beth, his on-off partner Faye, and best friend Kirk. The fallout from a tragic end would send shockwaves through the community, impacting not just his family but the wider Weatherfield circle that’s come to rely on his steady presence.

For now, viewers can only watch as Craig begins his new role, not knowing what dangers lie ahead. But if there’s one thing Coronation Street does best, it’s delivering heartfelt drama — and Craig Tinker’s final act may just be one of the most unforgettable stories yet.