But after more than a decade of growing up on the cobbles, at the start of the year, actor Colson Smith confirmed his time as his policing alter-ego is coming to an end.
He shared the news in a social media statement. In the post, shared to X and Instagram alongside a picture of himself portraying Craig as a police officer, Colson said at the time: “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.”
The 26-year-old added: “For Me, this is just the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. LONG LIVE THE COBBLES!”

Craig will be left fighting for his life 🌐 Website: Corrienews.info
His exit then officially took place on Friday (March 21) and with Corrie filming anywhere from six to ten weeks in advance, it left Colson falling short of marking 14 years in the role of Craig this summer.
Following his last day on the Street, Colson took to Instagram with a snap in which he could be sitting above the Rovers Return sign. Alongside the post, the Celebrity Big Brother star said: “CORONATION STREET I LOVE YOU, THANK YOU.”
Now, a shocking new trailer teasing upcoming scenes has revealed a battered and bloodied Craig lying unconscious on the cobbles after a vicious attack as he finds himself caught in the crossfire between Kit Green and his past.
Next week’s episodes of the ITV soap will follow the stories of both characters as viewers will uncover the secrets surrounding Mick Michaelis’ hold on Kit, leaving both his friends and family in grave danger.
And while a series of climactic events unfold on the street, culminating in a shocking and horrific incident, we’ll see Craig’s life hanging in the balance as he fights for every breath. As history catches up with him, will Kit’s future be destined to haunt him forever as well as his past?
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As the promo for the upcoming episodes was shared on social media, Corrie fans were quick to respond as they shared their thoughts on Craig’s survival, and their upset on him leaving.
One said: “Can’t believe Craig is being killed off!” Another commented: “It’s been revealed that it’s craig’s final fight in next weeks #corrie on @ITV and @ITVX does that mean he dies…”
A third shared: “‘Craig’s final fight’ – Just by this title alone it means Craig will be killed off. Can’t wait to see how it all plays out #Corrie.” A fourth wrote: “Nooooo! Not the police officer, Craig is a brilliant officer in Corrie. I may need tissues on stand by then!”
Another posted: “Oh no don’t get rid of Craig. He’s a good character.” A sixth questioned: “Why do they have to kill Craig off? Would have been nice to leave the door open if the actor ever wanted to return.” Another fan added: “Absolutely in no way am I ready for this. @colsonjsmith I’m not ready to say goodbye.”