Coronation Street’s farewell to Craig Tinker hits differently than your typical soap opera exit. After nearly 14 years on the cobbles, the departure of PC Tinker — played by Colson Smith since he was just 12 — feels more like saying goodbye to an old friend who grew up in front of us.
Smith’s journey from a non-speaking two-episode role to beloved community copper mirrors the kind of character development that’s become increasingly rare in today’s binge-and-forget TV landscape. Perhaps that’s what makes this farewell particularly gut-wrenching for the cast and longtime viewers alike.
The decision to kill off Craig came straight from Smith himself — a bold choice that speaks volumes about his understanding of storytelling. “For me to go, I’d want to die,” he explained, showing remarkable clarity about closing this chapter of his life. And honestly? It makes perfect sense. Some doors are better left firmly shut.
Behind the scenes, the emotional toll was palpable. Lucy Fallon (despite being heavily pregnant) couldn’t hold back tears. Julia Goulding spent the day crying. And in a moment that perfectly captures the raw humanity of it all, Andy Whyment couldn’t even park his car straight on Smith’s final day. These aren’t just colleagues saying goodbye — they’re family.
But it’s the quiet moments that truly tell the story. One evening, Smith returned to the set at 8 PM, sitting outside the Rovers Return for an hour. Just him and the pub that’s been his second home since childhood. No cameras, no script — just a young man saying goodbye to a place that shaped him.
The thoughtfulness behind Smith’s farewell gifts speaks volumes. He gave his colleagues Lego versions of PC Tinker — ginger-haired police officer figurines with heartfelt messages. It’s the kind of gesture that reminds us why British soaps still resonate in 2025, even as streaming giants dominate the entertainment landscape.
His final scene — filmed in Roy’s Rolls with veteran actor David Neilson — proved particularly challenging. “I was borderline shaking,” Smith admitted. Who wouldn’t be? Sharing your last moments on set with someone who’s watched you grow from child to adult… that’s bound to shake even the steadiest hands.
Craig’s hero’s death in the line of duty serves as a fitting end for a character who evolved from background player to cornerstone of the community. Yet amidst all the drama, Smith’s fondest memories reveal the show’s true heart — summer days with the ice cream van, sharing laughs with castmates between takes. Sometimes the simplest moments leave the deepest marks.
As the curtain falls on Craig Tinker’s story, it’s worth noting how rare these long-term character arcs have become. In an era of limited series and quick-turnaround productions, watching both character and actor mature over 14 years feels almost revolutionary. Craig’s exit doesn’t just mark the end of a storyline — it’s a reminder of what television can achieve when it takes the long view.
The streets of Weatherfield will certainly feel different without PC Tinker patrolling them. But then again, that’s the beauty of stories that leave their mark — they remind us that sometimes the best characters are the ones who feel real enough to miss.
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