Latest news with #BenShephard
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE ITV star handed huge pay rise buys £3.5million 10-bedroom mansion... but there's a catch
Ben Shephard has splashed out £3.5million on a gorgeous new home that was formerly the official residence of a bishop. While a number of ITV 's daytime stars may be considering downsizing in the wake of slashed budgets and job losses, Shephard, 50, is moving up in the world. The TV presenter purchased the huge new property in an idyllic riverside setting in west London after upgrading from his former home nearby. But there's a hitch that comes with his dream home which has left Ben in something of a pickle: despite its size there is no driveway or back access and the only way in is throught a small front gate. And this is going to make doing any building work to modernise the Grade II listed building difficult to arrange. A source said: 'It's an absolutely beautiful house. But the layout means that if he wants to do any substantive works to alter it - and it does need updating - then he will have problems getting larger materials or the machinery in. 'The only way in is via a relatively tiny front gate and as it's listed he's going to struggle to change the layout to alter that. 'So good luck to his architect and builder! 'I suspect that's why it needs updating - because it's so difficult to find a way to manage it. 'But that headache aside, Ben and Annie are thrilled with it.' 'It's the only blot on the horizon for them on what is otherwise their dream home so he's hoping to find some solution.' Shephard was handed a big pay rise when he teamed up with Cat Deeley last year to take over as hosts of This Morning - replacing longtime presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby. The pair are reportedly each earning around £550,000-a-year to present the programme four days a week. Now it appears Shephard - who is estimated to be worth around £3.6 million - is investing some of the cash in his new pad. The move is said to have been overseen by wife Annie, a design consultant specialising in interiors and gardens. She spent a year lovingly transforming the couple's former home in Richmond into a stunning dream house. And the couple may see their new house as something of 'a project'. There's plenty of scope to re-style the somewhat staid interiors of the former ecclesiastical residence where a number of rooms downstairs were used as offices and formal reception rooms. After it went on the market, estate agents were singing the praises of the 'iconic house' which is described as being in an 'unrivalled setting'. But hinting that there was work to be done, they added that it was 'waiting to be transformed into a wonderful family home'. The large detached property, which is thought to be 300 years old, was originally the home of Thomas Twining, who made his fortune in the tea trade after setting up his first tea house in 1706 in Devereux Court near the Strand in London. It remained the family home for seven generations until artist and social reformer Elizabeth Twining bequeathed the property to the church after her death in 1889. The house was used as a rather grand vicarage before going on to become the offices and residence for a bishop. The 10-bedroomed property, which is located in a riverside conservation area, comprises almost 6,000 square feet of accommodation. Good morning Britain: where the breakfast TV star will have his own breakfast Estate agents highlighted how it offered buyers 'an exceptional opportunity' after coming on the market 'for the first time in three centuries'. The property is set close to the River Thames with a large Grade ll-listed church on one side and an historic park and gardens on the other. The location is said to have once been 'favoured by royalty for summer retreats'. The house is described as having 'an elegant period façade with an ornate entrance canopy and unique sundial feature' above the front door. Inside, the property has retained much of the original period detailing with 'superb ceiling heights, fireplaces and a magnificent entrance hall and wood carved staircase'. Downstairs, while most of the rooms had been configured as office and reception rooms, there's also a living room, dining room, kitchen and utility room. There are six bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor while a second floor annexe features three further bedrooms and another room which had been turned into an office. According to a glossy estate agent's brochure the gardens at the property 'wrap around three sides of the house and offer scope, with landscaping, to create a fabulous outdoor amenity'. The brochure added the sale offered 'an exceptionally rare opportunity to create a truly unique and impressive family home in a superb location'. It added: 'With its stunning riverside location, rich history, and excellent connectivity, this property offers a unique blend of past and present, making it a home that truly stands out from the ordinary.' The only downside of the property is that its close proximity to the church and graveyard with a footpath running between them means there's no car parking space and limited access to its back door. A source close to Shephard - who also presents ITV quiz show Tipping Point and Ninja Warrior UK - said: 'Even the removal van got stuck as everyone has to come to the front. 'Because the rear of the house lies close to the church pathway we have to use the front as the main access to the house.' Annie appears to have already set to work on the property and this week took delivery of three large packages brought to the house in a courier van. Shephard met Annie while they were both studying at the University of Birmingham in 1995. Setting out to be an actor, Shephard achieved a BA honours degree in Dance, Drama and Theatre Arts while Annie studied Philosophy. The couple who married in Burgh Island off the coast of Devon in 2004 have two sons - Jack, 19, and Sam, 18. Essex-born Shephard went on to forge a successful career in TV - hosting some of Britain's best loved shows including working as a main anchor on Good Morning Britain. He once made a cameo appearance in an episode of US hit TV comedy Friends where he was credited as 'Man with Microphone'. Meanwhile Annie worked for fashion and interior design magazines working her way to advertising manager while hosting 'glamorous parties, fabulous conferences' and award events. After becoming a mum Annie - who describes herself as 'a welly wearing veg grower' - combined raising her children over 18 years with 'knocking down and remodelling houses and running big renovation projects'. She once wrote on her website: 'I've studied hard and taken excellent courses, so I've learned both the theory of design and I've also learned the hard way, by creating from the ground up, wellies on and spade in hand. 'After a few mistakes and a few more successes, my friends started to ask for help with their own interiors and gardens.' In 201,6 the couple bought their home in Richmond and Shephard occasionally shared photos on social media of his family life away from the limelight. Images posted during Covid lockdown at their previous home showed off their spectacular sprawling gardens which came complete with 'gin bench', fire pit and rose-filled archways. The garden also featured an immaculate lawn, bronze sculptures and an area where the family grew their own vegetables. Last week Shephard proved that away from the studio he's no sofa slouch as he showed off his incredible physique on the front cover of Men's Health magazine. Shephard told how he keeps in shape trying to keep up with his sons in workouts. He said: 'I've really, really enjoyed proving to my 18-year-old and 19-year-old sons that I can still compete with them. We love training together.' Shephard said his biggest challenge was coping with the endless supply of pastries, treats and calorific meals cooked up by TV chefs on This Morning.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
This Morning fans 'switch off' as they slam ITV for 'scraping the bottom of the barrel' with 'insulting' presenter shake-up and swipe 'can't think of two worse hosts!'
This Morning fans slammed ITV for 'scraping the bottom of the barrel' with a fresh presenter shake-up. Monday's instalment of the daytime show saw Alison Hammond and Paddy McGuinness step in as hosts. Usually, Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard present the ITV programme from Monday to Thursday. However, some viewers were not impressed when they saw Alison and Paddy on their screens. Many took to social media to share their thoughts, swiping they 'can't think of two worse hosts'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. One posted on X: '#ThisMorning The presenter barrel has been scraped today.' While another brutally added: 'Can't think of two worse hosts. It's almost insulting.' 'Can't be listening to these 2 #thismorning,' another viewer penned, alongside an image of someone turning a TV off. Another said: 'McGuinness? No thanks #ThisMorning.' While someone else said: 'Oh no, not McGuinness #thismorning.' During the show, JoJo Siwa surprised Chris Hughes live on This Morning during his segment at an animal sanctuary. JoJo stood in the studio alongside Alison Hammond and Paddy McGuinness and spoke to Chris. He exclaimed: 'That's my Joelle, I know that voice, that's the voice that gives you energy in the morning.' The pair chatted and revealed JoJo would be visiting the Cotswolds next week to meet his family. Alison asked JoJo: 'I'm so invested in you and Chris, I'm loving this little relationship but just for the record, what is your relationship status with Chris?' 'I will say he is up there as one of my favourite people in the entire world, he makes me happier than I think I've ever been, he makes me feel so full as me, he's a really good one who has been the most incredible addition to my life,' JoJo gushed. It isn't the first presenter shake-up on This Morning, earlier this month Cat revealed Dermot would be joined by Lisa Snowdon on May 16, instead of Alison, who usually features on Fridays. At the end of the episode on May 15, Cat told viewers: 'Dermot is presenting tomorrow alongside Lisa Snowdon. 'They will be joined by BGT choir Hear Our Voice ahead of this weekend's semi-final.' Ben added: 'Clodagh leaving the cows and children and tractors... She'll be back in the studio for a Eurovision party snacks.' Cat added: 'The coupon king is going to be back here with his weekly deals. That is tomorrow from 10!' Alison has been part of the This Morning team since 2002. In 2020 it was revealed that she would replace Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on the Friday instalment. The pair started presenting the programme together in 2021.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ben Shephard has sculpted himself into a Grecian statue – but there's something really sexy about a dad bod
There's something deeply sexy about a man who's not counting almonds or swerving dessert like it's a moral failing ZARA JANJUA Ben Shephard has sculpted himself into a Grecian statue – but there's something really sexy about a dad bod THIS week, two magazine covers hit the shelves like a kettlebell landing on your foot. On Men's Health, a newly chiselled 50-year-old Ben Shephard, recreating his topless shoot from 13 years ago. Advertisement 5 Ben Shephard sculpted himself into a Grecian statue to celebrate his half-century Credit: David Venni / Men's Health UK', 5 Davina looks like she just punched mortality in the face Credit: Mark Cant / Women's Health UK Over on Women's Health, Davina McCall, 56, swinging from gym rings with all the energy of a human protein shake — just months after brain surgery. Two aspirational bodies. Two inspirational mindsets. Both clearly proud of what their bodies can still do. And fair enough — they look phenomenal. Davina looks like she just punched mortality in the face and bounced straight into a plank. Advertisement She's lycra'd to the nines, flinging herself at a Pilates ball like it owes her money. It's not about showing off — it's a message: 'I'm still here, and I'm stronger than ever.' There's an empire behind that body, and it's built on resilience, dumbbells, and endorphins. Then there's daytime telly's answer to a protein shake, Ben Shephard, who sculpted himself into a Grecian statue to celebrate his half-century. He says he did it for himself — to prove he still could. And that's great. Genuinely. But also . . . Ben? Mate? It's your birthday, not the Olympics. Have a flapjack and sit down. Because here's the twist: turns out women might not actually be that a*sed. Advertisement A few weeks ago, singer Olly Murs revealed his 12-week transformation from relatable dad bod to gym-honed Adonis. And while the lads cheered him on, the women were thirstier for the 'before' pics. Yes, really. Beaming Davina McCall reveals she's got all clear from brain tumour after life-saving surgery The soft, smiley, snuggly version. Not the Marvel audition tape. So, what do women want? Do we dream of abs you could grate cheese on, or quietly yearn for a body that looks like it's seen a roast dinner? Let's be honest: abs are impressive. They say: 'I have discipline, control, and a complicated relationship with carbs.' But dad bods say: 'I'll split a sausage roll with you and probably bring you a cuppa after.' Advertisement The dad bod isn't about being unfit — it's about being unbothered. It is someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously. And there's something deeply sexy about a man who's not counting almonds or swerving dessert like it's a moral failing. He's not trying to impress, which is exactly why he does. That body says: 'I'm here, I'm comfy, and I can carry all the shopping in one go.' Dreamy. It's not about what the body looks like — it's about what it means. Confidence. Security. Cuddles. That'll do nicely. So lads, if you're carrying a bit of belly — congratulations. You might just be someone's fantasy. You're built for Sunday mornings, big spoons and emergency hobnob runs. And honestly? That's a vibe. Advertisement It also makes you wonder, what do men want? Despite what a thousand lads' mags tried to drill into us, most blokes don't want to date a Peloton. Curves are in. In a 'you look like a real human' kind of way. We all want different things — and those things can shift with the weather. Sometimes we want someone ripped but most of the time, we're just after someone warm, kind and capable of making toast without a fuss. So, what do women really want? A six-pack? A squish pack? Something in between? Depends on the woman. Depends on the week. Depends on whether you washed the dishes and took the bins out because that's really what we want your body to do. Without being asked. Diddy peers turn backs 5 Diddy is the alleged ringleader in a real-life horror show Credit: AFP Advertisement SEAN 'P Diddy' Combs used to be the pied piper of platinum parties – now he's the alleged ringleader in a real-life horror show that makes Succession look like Bluey. As details spill – claims of sex- trafficking, racketeering and 'freak-offs' – the silence from his A-list acolytes is deafening. Michael B. Jordan, Mike Myers, Ye, Usher, Britney . . . suddenly it's 'new phone, who dis?' Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura's injuries appear to paint a picture of coercive control that's anything but consensual. Hollywood's collective amnesia? About as convincing as the SNP's Covid WhatsApps – deleted, delayed, denied. Advertisement Sussex series going strong 5 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle loved up on Instagram SEVEN years ago, Prince Harry looked at Meghan Markle like she had just invented kindness. Now, they look at each other like two people who have survived a national psychodrama, Oprah, and a podcast contract. As the Sussexes mark their seventh wedding anniversary, it's less fairy tale, more prestige limited series – with public opinion swinging harder than a Montecito mood board. Let's recap. Season One: Royal Wedding – the glossy pilot that launched a thousand hot takes. Advertisement Season Two: Megxit – a departure arc worthy of Succession. Season Three gave us The Oprah Interview – or as the Palace might call it, The Crown: Live. Season Four? Californian Rebranding. Season Five: Spotify and Archetypes (cancelled, like most of our goodwill). Season Six: Litigation-palooza. Advertisement Now we're in Season Seven: Mutual Love Bombs on Instagram. Meghan, in a post for Archewell, gushed about 'her love story'. Harry gazed adoringly at her in a wedding throwback, confirming either enduring love or a very competent PR team. Say what you like, but they've turned royal exile into a brand proposition with better global recognition than half the actual royals. And credit where it's due: most celebrity marriages don't last seven years, let alone seven years of exile. So, good luck to the Sussexes – still together, still trending, and still managing to make their private life astonishingly public. Advertisement Brekkie telly's shrinking morsels 5 Lorraine's daytime show has been slashed to 30 minutes Credit: Getty ITV has taken an axe to the morning schedule and Lorraine Kelly has found herself on the wrong end of the chop. Her daytime show has been slashed to 30 minutes and will now be on air for just 30 weeks a year. Likewise, the Loose Women gang, right, will have less airtime in future. It's hard not to take these shake-ups personally in the world of TV. Advertisement Bosses call it 'streamlining', or break the news that they've chosen to 'go in a different direction'. But it's all just estate-agent speak to soften the blow when you fall out of favour with the channel head or audiences. This is not so much a breakfast show as a brekkie nibble – just time to compliment a guest's dress and awkwardly read a sponsored link. GMB has been extended by half an hour to run until 9.30am and it's only a matter of time before This Morning is reduced to a WhatsApp voice note.
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
How build lean muscle and lose belly fat in your fifties
Can you really be in the best shape of your life in your fifth decade? The obvious answer is yes, if you weren't in great shape before, but the slightly less obvious answer is: yes, if you're Ben Shephard. Making his second appearance on the cover of Men's Health 13 years after the first one, the This Morning presenter looks more muscular (and only slightly less lean) at 50 than he did at 37. Shephard credits his physique to planning, protein and consistency, with four strength sessions and plenty of 'lung-busting' cardio planned out by trainer Steve Coleman – and, to be clear, he's working with a capacity for training that's been built up over years of hard work. But if you're a non-celebrity with the typical array of commitments, how fit can you really be in your fifties? Is trying to recapture your youthful best just a fast track to frustration? And how should you change your training to maximise your results while minimising your injury risk? Let's dive right in – after some light stretching, obviously. One of the biggest challenges for both men and women in their fifties are changing hormone levels, which can hamper training and recovery. Menopause in women causes a sharp drop in estrogen and progesterone, leading to the loss of lean muscle mass, reduced bone density and increased abdominal fat storage, alongside sleep issues and energy level fluctuations. For men, the issue is testosterone: levels start to decline about 1 per cent a year from the age of 30 to 40, though studies suggest that fatherhood also correlates with a drop in testosterone too. Muscle loss, or sarcopenia, also starts after we hit 30, our tendons start to lose some of their elasticity, and joints start to show signs of wear and tear – all of which can make injuries more likely, and less manageable. If you've twisted a knee at five-a-side or been sitting with bad posture for years, it's in our forties and fifties where that starts to add up, leading to surgery or pain when we move – making us more cautious about the sorts of physical challenges that we'll actually tackle. More than anything, it's this that causes slowing of the metabolism as you age: with less muscle mass to burn calories, and less everyday movement going on (whether because you've given up rugby or because you don't go dancing any more), you tend to put on fat even if you're eating the same as you always have. On top of all that, the chronic stresses of everyday life can elevate cortisol levels (leading to increased fat storage around your midriff), and interfere with your sleep (affecting recovery). It's a bleak picture, but some men – like Shephard – seem able to redraw it. So how can you do the same? Here's the plan. Maintain, don't gain The first thing to say is that it's a lot easier to hold onto all of our youthful attributes – appreciable amounts of muscle, a fast metabolism, and healthy joints – than it is to try and get them for the first time in the second half of your life. So, the most important thing you can do is to find some sustainable fitness habits as soon as you can and keep them up – whether you're in your twenties, forties, or sixties. That ought to mean doing some sort of strength training and some sort of cardio every week. Even a couple of 30-minute strength sessions a week can be enough to keep you in shape, while cardio is the gift that keeps on giving – you should do as much as you can (we'll get to how intense that should be shortly). Finally, you should definitely include some sort of mobility work in your regimen every week – that could be a few dynamic stretches around your workouts (the Cossack squat is a great bang-for-your-buck option), or a dedicated session like yoga or Pilates. Don't get injured This gets much more important as you get older and don't bounce back from injuries as quickly. One key is to warm up – a good warmup gradually increases heart rate and circulation, which can suffer from age, while also raising muscle temperature, which improves elasticity and efficiency. It also activates your nervous system, enhancing your coordination and reducing your risk of taking a tumble. It doesn't have to be too complicated – if your gym has one, the SkiErg is a great choice, as it gets your blood flowing, uses all your large muscle groups, warms up your shoulders and helps your coordination. The second part of not getting injured is choosing moves that are low-risk, high-reward. For instance, I don't bench press any more – it's stressful on the shoulders, easy to overload, and it doesn't do much for your chest and arms that a not-too-serious lifter can't get from different types of press-ups. In general, try to avoid high-impact moves (the odd box jump is fine, but don't ping your Achilles tendon by doing 50 of them in one workout), and forget the one-rep maxes. But that said… Lift weights 'This is really what makes the difference in how you look,' says Sarah Lindsay, CEO of Roar Fitness. 'The stronger you are, the more intensity you can create, and the more stimulus you're going to be providing to your muscles. Learn to lift heavy, and track your progress – if the weights go up, that's very motivating.' If you're pressed for time on strength training, don't waste any of it on barbell curls or situps: spend as much of it as possible on exercises that work multiple areas of your body at once. Press-ups work your shoulders and core as well as your chest – goblet squats work all of your leg muscles, but also test your biceps. Aim to use a weight that's moderately challenging for 5-10 repetitions, and do two or three sets. Do a lot of Nepa (non-exercise physical activity) This basically means all of the things you wouldn't get changed to go and do: walking your kids to school or doing the gardening are both Nepa, and a key benefit of both is that they're not difficult to do, and aren't likely to lead to food cravings later in the day (unlike, say, high-intensity cardio). If you want to, you can also add a bit of difficulty to your everyday movements – say, by throwing a couple of books in a rucksack when you take the dog for a walk. It definitely adds up. Eat well – most of the time One of the simplest ways is to aim to eat well 80 per cent of the time (and not worry too much the rest of the time). You'll eat roughly 21 meals a week – so around 17 of those should be reasonably 'healthy'. What's healthy? A decent chunk of protein – around 20-30g – is a good start, alongside a bit of veg (or fruit, but not every time). And don't ignore carbs! 'Eat for energy so that you can train hard, and to recover from your workout, and so that your next training session is good,' says Lindsay. 'If you're eating with performance in mind, you won't go far wrong.' …and don't look back If you looked good, lifted big or ran fast in your twenties and thirties, it's tempting to tell yourself you can recapture those glory days – but going hard in every workout in the attempt is a shortcut to frustration and injuries. Avoid rear-view mirror syndrome by re-framing your efforts as something you're doing for the future: you're aiming to live a healthy, active life for as long as you can, not beat your old Parkrun PB. And unless you're starting an Insta account, being in good shape for your fifties is a great place to be.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Colson Smith reveals the emotional moment he learned he was being 'binned' from Coronation Street - including a nightmare eight-word warning from ITV boss
Colson Smith has revealed the emotional moment he learned he was being 'binned' from Coronation Street - including a nightmare eight-word warning from his ITV boss. The actor, 26 - who is best known for playing PC Craig Tinker in the soap - appeared on ITV's This Morning to talk about his departure from the beloved programme. Craig Tinker's final scenes on the Cobbles aired last night (Wednesday 21 May), and fans fumed that Colson was 'done dirty' after he died following on from being murdered by Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton) with a bat. The soap star took to the iconic sofa to chat to hosts Ben Shephard, 50, and Cat Deeley, 48, about the episode, as well as his lead up to leaving Weatherfield. Recalling the moment he was told that he no longer had a job on Coronation Street, Colson said: 'I've been in that building since I was 12. I know how it works. It's like any work place, you pick up on vibes, you pick up on things.. 'I knew, I had a meeting at 7pm one night after work. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The actor, 26 - who is best known for playing PC Craig Tinker in the soap - appeared on ITV's This Morning to talk to Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard (pictured) about his departure from the beloved programme 'I was in the Rovers all day, I was sat there kind of not saying anything, but my brain was like "I know what's coming tonight!". 'I told Jack and Ben, my two best mates at work, tonight's the night, I'm getting binned, that's what we call it. 'I was like tonight's the night, will you be there for me. 'They were there and I went up to boss, she looked at me and went "This isn't going to be an easy conversation." 'I was like "Well let's go and have it. Let's get it out the way."' Cat was keen to find out what the cast reaction was to the news, to which he explained: 'That was the toughest I think thing for me. I found out on the night and went in next day, it was Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt's last day. 'I'd gone in and I'm like "I'm about to ruin Helen's last day. '"I cant do this!" 'But then, do I keep a secret. but by the time I had got into work, everyone knew, it was like Colson had died. 'I walked into the greenroom and awkwardly laughed and Lucy Fallon was heavily pregnant at the time, she burst in tears, Julia Gording was crying all day. 'I felt for Jack and Ben - they were losing their mum and found out that their mate was going. It was a roller coaster of emotions, it had been the whole way through. 'And the last day, Andy Whyment was just crying, he couldnt even park his car straight in the morning.' When asked what he wants to do next, Colson told the hosts: 'It's very bizarre leaving something you've done so long. 'Who is Colson? What does he want to do? Enjoying sitting in garden. I love telly. 'This is my home. Spend more time in telly. More stuff as Colson, see what happens. 'I'll be happy with whatever. more podcasting, more presenting, audio stuff. That's the stuff I love.' Fans were left truly heartbroken watching Colson's alter-ego Craig die on their screes. Viewers flocked to social media to share their sadness over his death, with many complaining that 'he deserved a happy ending!' One wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: 'Nah Coronation Street did Craigy dirty there, we do not want more deaths he deserved a happy ending.' 'NOT OUR CRAIGY!!! Justice for Craig.' 'Not our Craigy. I was hoping they'd let Craig leave happy on transfer to a different district to go further up his career ladder but man #corrie that was brutal.' 'Sad to see the end of Craig Tinker on @itvcorrie. I wish they could have left the door open for the always sunny character. I found a few drawing I did of him from years back.' Many rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their heartbreak over the devastating scenes that aired on Wednesday evening 'RIP CRAIG . Also known as PC Tinker. The best police officer that the street has ever known.' 'Not Craig #Corrie.' 'Absolutely hate that we lost Craig that way - if anyone deserved a happy ending, it was Tinker.' Speaking about what viewers ahead of the scenes, Colson said: 'I can't wait for people to see Craig's final scenes. 'It is exactly the exit I wanted for him and we are all really proud of what we filmed in those final weeks. It was actually great fun. 'I was walking around covered in fake blood for days and I was chuffed that I got to work with so many brilliant people in this final storyline.' Since November last year, it was revealed a number of stars were leaving, including Colson. And back in January the star revealed to MailOnline that he was told in Autumn 2024 that he would be written out of the soap. At the time an inside source also explained that Colson is excited for the next chapter of his career and said viewers should look forward to a 'brilliant exit storyline'. Reflecting on his on the show, Colson confessed that he has loved 'every single second' of his time on the show and feels 'incredibly lucky' to have been a part of the show for so long. Colson told MailOnline: '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. 'For me, this is the end of the beginning. 'I genuinely can't wait to see what chapter two has in store for me.' This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
