Confirmed Departure: Actor Colson Smith confirmed his exit from Coronation Street after nearly 14 years, having been informed in Autumn 2024. He filmed his final scenes in late March 2025.
Rumored Tragic End: Unconfirmed reports suggest Craig Tinker will meet a heroic demise in a storyline expected to air this summer. An insider mentioned there "won't be a dry eye in the house."
Potential Returns: Fans are speculating that former characters Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) and Faye Windass (Ellie Leach), both significant figures in Craig's past, may return for his widely anticipated funeral.
Emotional Farewell: Co-stars, including Sally Dynevor (Sally Metcalfe), were reportedly emotional during Smith's final week of filming.
Why this matters: This marks the departure of a fan-favourite character who essentially grew up on the show. The exit storyline promises significant drama and emotional impact, driving viewer engagement and speculation about the future of related characters.
#### Background on Craig Tinker
Craig Tinker first appeared on Coronation Street in 2011 as a 12-year-old. Viewers have watched him grow into PC Tinker, navigating the challenges of his policing career, dealing with his OCD diagnosis, and experiencing several complex relationships. His departure follows that of his mother, Beth (Lisa George), who left Weatherfield last year.
#### Colson Smith's Exit
Colson Smith announced his departure publicly in early 2025, expressing gratitude for his time on the show. He shared insights into his final week on his podcast, 'On the Sofa', revealing emotional moments with cast members like Sally Dynevor and mentioning his final scenes involved dialogue with Roy Cropper (David Neilson). Smith has planned his exit since Autumn 2024 and looks forward to "chapter 2" of his career.
#### Fan Speculation and Potential Returns
The news of Craig's potential death has ignited fan theories about who might return for his funeral. Bethany Platt, a close friend who left in February 2025, and Faye Windass, his former fiancée who departed in 2023, are the prime candidates discussed in fan forums. Their return would provide poignant closure to Craig's storyline, though no official confirmation has been made by the show.
#### Impact on Viewers and the Show
Craig's exit represents a significant shift for Coronation Street. As a long-standing, well-liked character, his departure, especially if tragic, is expected to be a major television event drawing high viewership and emotional responses from the audience.
Q: When is Craig Tinker leaving Coronation Street?
A: Actor Colson Smith finished filming in late March 2025. His character's exit storyline is expected to air on ITV and ITVX in the summer of 2025.
Q: How will Craig Tinker leave Coronation Street?
A: While unconfirmed by ITV, reports suggest Craig Tinker will be killed off heroically. Viewers will need to watch this summer to see how his story concludes.
Q: Are Bethany Platt or Faye Windass returning for Craig's funeral?
A: Currently, this is fan speculation driven by their characters' close ties to Craig. Coronation Street has not officially announced any returns related to this storyline.
Prepare for what promises to be an emotional and potentially tragic farewell to a beloved Coronation Street character this summer.
Keep an eye out for official announcements from ITV regarding Craig Tinker's final storyline and any potential character returns.
This is a moment for long-time viewers to reflect on Craig's significant journey and impact on the show over the last 14 years.
How do you think Craig Tinker's story will end? Will Bethany or Faye return for his farewell? Let us know your theories in the comments!
*Share this article with fellow Corrie fans who need to stay updated!*
Source 1: Coronation Street legend 'to return' 25 years after first episode for Craig Tinker's funeral - Belfast Live ()
Source 2: Based on reporting from Manchester Evening News regarding Colson Smith's final week filming.
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