Colson Smith’s departure from Coronation Street has been an emotional journey not just for him but for his fans and co-stars. The actor, best known for his role as Craig Tinker, announced earlier this year that his time on the famous cobbles would end in 2025. The news was met with an outpouring of love and support from fans and colleagues alike.

Reflecting on his 14-year tenure on the show, Colson expressed deep gratitude for the experiences and friendships he built. He acknowledged how much he had learned from the people around him and how the soap had shaped his life. Despite looking forward to the next chapter in his career, the departure is undoubtedly bittersweet for him.

The Milestone He Will Never Reach

During a conversation on the On the Sofa Podcast, which he co-hosts with his fellow stars Ben Price and Jack P Shepherd—Colson revealed a personal disappointment. Despite spending over a decade on the show, he fell short of achieving a major milestone—appearing in 1,000 episodes.

He shared, “They’ve said it’s 14 [years]. Less than a thousand episodes, though. That was my goal in life. I think I’m 150 off.” The announcement of his departure was particularly hard for him, especially when breaking the news to close friends Ben Price and Jack P Shepherd.

He admitted that the toughest moment was walking into the green room to tell them. The trio shared an emotional embrace before heading out for a meal together, solidifying the depth of their off-screen friendship. Despite missing out on his milestone, Colson received an unexpected and touching phone call that made a lasting impact.

The call came from Coronation Street legend Barbara Knox, known for her role as Rita Tanner. “When everyone found out I was leaving, I had one conversation that surprised me: a phone call from a withheld number,” he revealed.

Barbara reassured Colson that people come and go from the street all the time, but some leave behind a legacy. He said, “You’re one of those people, and I just want to say thank you for all the time that I’ve spent with you and the way that you treat me.”

While Colson may not have reached his 1,000-episode dream, his contributions to the soap and the bonds he has built will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy on Coronation Street and its fans. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more soap updates.