Colson Smith’s Extraordinary Journey Beyond Coronation Street

Colson John Smith, born on 13th August 1998 in Dorchester, Dorset, England, is a celebrated actor best known for his portrayal of Craig Tinker on the iconic British soap Coronation Street. Colson Smith is now a name that has rung a bell with numerous people over the years due to his engaging performances and easy-to-identify-with character builds.
Throughout it all, from being a young thespian to growing up to be a seasoned performer, Colson Smith has established himself as one of the most dedicated and passionate thespians in the business.
Early Life and Career Start
Colson Smith grew up in Castleford, West Yorkshire, and attended Castleford High School. At a young age, he was drawn to the world of acting and began taking classes with Northern Film and Drama in 2009. This introduction to the performing arts laid the ground for the future career that lay ahead. Colson Smith arrived in Coronation Street as Craig Tinker in 2011, marking the beginning of a stellar career in the entertainment industry.
Rise to Coronation Street Fame
Colson Smith’s character, Craig Tinker on Coronation Street, was an overnight hit. As the son of Beth Tinker, Craig’s plots have seen some serious subject matter, like his struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and how he went about becoming a policeman. These were not just storylines which established Colson Smith as a skilled actor but also addressed some serious social concerns, earning him global recognition.
Over the years, Colson’s portrayal of Craig won him awards and nominations, including a Best Young Actor nomination at the 2015 Inside Soap Awards. His ability to add depth and realism to his character made him one of the standout performers on the show.
Beyond the Cobbles
Though Coronation Street has formed a large proportion of Colson’s career to date, he has also pursued avenues outside of the soap. He also appeared in a couple of short films like Platform 2C, Hollows Wood, and Jailhouse Dog to demonstrate his acting capability. In 2020, Colson Smith took up running as a way to improve his health and documented the process in a YouTube series named Bored of Being the Fat Kid. The raw and motivational project won over several hearts, with him demonstrating his resilience and determination.
Colson Smith also attempted reality television, with appearances on The Games in 2022 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2024, making it to the finals. These opportunities allowed fans a chance to see him in a different light, making him even more lovable to viewers.
A New Chapter
In January 2025, Colson announced he was quitting Coronation Street after 14 years. His on-screen counterpart, Craig Tinker, will depart the show in a dramatic and heroic plot, marking the end of an era. Referring to his time at the show, Colson Smith thanked the show for the experiences and learning and stated that his time there was “the end of the beginning.”
As he leaves his final leaves of the cobblestones, Colson smiles forward into discovering new adventures and challenges as a professional. His exit was met with mass sympathy from the fans and cast, and everyone is wondering what’s next for this beloved actor.
Latest News
Colson Smith’s Coronation Street exit was the hot gossip over the past few weeks. His final scenes, which are scheduled to screen later this summer, are said to feature Craig Tinker going out in a blaze of glory. Colson Smith took to social media to share affectionate words about leaving the soap, describing it as “the perfect way to end the perfect first chapter.”
His co-stars, including Sally Dynevor, were devastated to lose him, and some were crying on his final days on location. Colson Smith parted company in style with a castmates’ leaving party, drawing an era to a close.
Legacy and Impact
Colson Smith’s time on Coronation Street has left a lasting legacy on the soap and its viewers. His dedication to his craft and his ability to work with tricky plots with care and integrity have made him one of the soap’s most popular actors. Off-camera, Colson Smith’s integrity in speaking about his own experience and his motivation to improve himself have impacted countless lives.
Conclusion
As Colson Smith starts the next phase of his career, his legacy as Craig Tinker and what he has given to Coronation Street will live on. With his talent, hard work, and dedication, one can rest assured that Colson’s future projects will be just as influential and memorable as his years on the cobbles. Fans and supporters look forward to the new heights he will conquer in the coming years.