Latest news with #CraigTinker
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Coronation Street star reveals he's working as a groundsman at local cricket club days after being killed off on soap
CORONATION Street star has revealed he's swapped the cobbles for the cricket pitch - just days after his character was dramatically killed off. The actor, who recently bowed out of the ITV soap in emotional scenes, is now working as a groundsman at his local cricket club. Advertisement 6 Colson's character Craig Tinker passed away following the horror clubbing Credit: ITV 6 But now the star is volunteering at his local cricket club as a groundsman Credit: instagram/@colsonjsmith Coronation Street fans have been left in tears following PC Craig Tinker's The loveable policeman Craig had attempted to arrest drunk driver Mick but after turning his back for a moment, Mick was able to grab hold of a baseball bat in his van and club Craig over the head and left him to die in the road. Having been raced to hospital, his family and friends and long-standing colleague PC Jess watched on as he succumbed to his injuries and passed away. Advertisement read more on corrie Craig's death comes after actor The soap favourite has now shared a behind-the-scenes snap from the pitch, trading scripts and stunts for mowers and maintenance. Taking to his Instagram stories, Colson posted a snap of himself getting his hands dirty while he looks after his local cricket club's pitch. He captioned the snap: "Groundman duties @castleford_cricket_club". Advertisement Most read in Soaps The Cricket fanatic has been volunteering there since his departure from the soap. The Sun exclusively revealed Coronation Street's Colson Smith reveals the moment soap boss 'binned him' from show and says 'I knew it was coming' A source told us: 'Craig has grown up on the street and he's become part of it so it was a tough decision to make but one that will be worth it. 'PC Tinker will meet his maker in heroic circumstances this summer and there won't be a dry eye in the house when it goes out. Advertisement 'Colson is taking it well and there's a real feeling that this chapter is closing for him and there are bigger and brighter things ahead." The star marked his soap exit with a wild, booze-fuelled Corrie cash crisis: shock exits for 2025 ITV bosses are locked in a battle to save the cash-strapped soap. This means that a number of stars have either been axed from or have abandoned the long-running serial drama. Colson Smith - Craig Tinker The character of Craig Tinker Sue Cleaver - Eileen Grimshaw After 25 years playing Eileen Grimshaw, former I'm A Celebrity campmate Sue Cleaver Luca Toolan - Mason Radcliffe Bosses decided to axe the teenage character after Sue Devaney - Debbie Webster In November 2024, we revealed that Charlotte Jordan - Daisy Midgeley The actress became the fifth star to leave Coronation Street in just one month. We Shelley King - Yasmeen Metcalfe The actress has played Yasmeen Metcalfe on the cobbles for the past 11 years and The police themed party paid homage to his character PC Tinker and featured fancy dress, balloons and police tape at the tapas bar and restaurant El Gato Negro Tapas in Manchester. Many of Colson's Corrie co-stars attended full of smiles including Advertisement The Corrie is gearing up for a number of exits for some iconic characters this summer, including The soap has already seen several characters depart the cobbles from the likes of ITV is facing a Advertisement Consequently, the broadcaster is reducing the length of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale episodes from hour-long to 30-minute installments, starting in January 2026. This change will create a "soaps power hour" where Emmerdale airs at 8pm, followed by Coronation Street at 8.30pm each weeknight. But with ratings falling and viewers switching to streamers like Netflix, more soap stars are fearing the axe - should they be worried? Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX . Advertisement 6 Craig's friends and family were left devastated by his death Credit: ITV 6 Colson had a boozy bash to mark his departure on the soap after 14 years Credit: Instagram/colsonjsmith 6 The party was full of drinks and emotional speeches Credit: Instagram/colsonjsmith 6 Many of Colson's Corrie co-stars attended full of smiles Credit: Instagram/colsonjsmith Advertisement
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Axed Coronation Street star reveals 'exciting' new job after leaving ITV soap
A Coronation Street star has revealed their "exciting" new job after leaving the ITV soap. Colson Smith, who played PC Craig Tinker on the show, saw his character recently killed off after 14 years on our screens. The actor, who made his debut back in 2011, announced he was leaving Corrie back in January. Now, he has revealed his next job, and teased that he has more "exciting" things in the pipeline. "I wouldn't be the person I am today without this show" Thank you for 14 great years of Tinks, Colson ❤️ @ITV #Corrie — Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) May 21, 2025 Taking to Instagram, Smith wrote: "Thank you so much for all the love this week! I really appreciate it! "Some of you have been asking, what next for me? There's a few exciting things going off!! "BUT one thing I can tell you for now, is that I'm joining the team at BBC Radio Leeds this summer!!! Catch ya on the wireless in Yorkshire!!" Fans took to the comments to wish the Coronation Street star well. One said: "Good luck with everything @colsonjsmith you will be missed in Corrie T cried so much at your scenes this week. They made a mistake letting you go." Another added: "Yes Colson! You're going to go far in the presenting world, I can feel it. You've such a warmth and likability... Never change." Smith announced he was leaving Corrie in January, saying: "I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street. "I've learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home." The 26-year-old, who has played police officer Craig Tinker on the show for 14 years, saw his character die after being beaten with a baseball bat by Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton), after he tried to arrest him. Speaking on ITV's This Morning, Smith said of his departure: 'It literally is just working at Coronation Street (that I'll miss the most) and calling that place my work. 'And it was weird, because when I got asked about highlights, I was trying to think of some of the things we've done, and I've done some mad things, I've met the (late) Queen, and I've done all this stuff, but it's the simple stuff. 'Like, on a summer's day at Corrie, we get an ice cream van, with all your mates and sit outside in the car park and the cast, the crew, the production team, the security staff, the cleaners, we're all so tight there, so sitting out in the summer having an ice cream with your mates, they're kind of the best days. 'It's that craic, that's the stuff that I won't get at any other job, and that's the stuff that I'll miss forever.' Recommended reading: Coronation Street star spotted on set 7 years after leaving the ITV show Coronation Street and Doctor Who star Michael McStay dies aged 92 Identity of Deal or No Deal's banker finally revealed as Coronation Street star Smith was just 12 years old when he joined the soap and his memorable storylines have included him joining the police force and struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He appeared for the last time in last Friday's episode as doctors pulled a sheet over his deceased character's body. Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Coronation Street's most devastating deaths from brutal blow to fatal stabbing as Craig Tinker killed in tragic scenes
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CORONATION Street is no stranger to killing off beloved characters in tragic circumstances. The ITV soap does not shy away from giving fan favourites tragic exit storylines. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 8 Beloved Craig Tinker was killed off in heartbreaking Coronation Street scenes Credit: ITV 8 The police officer sustained serious injuries after being attacked Credit: ITV 8 Craig later passed away in hospital Credit: ITV Earlier this week, viewers watched as PC Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) passed away after being attacked by thug Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton). It marked the end of actor Colson Smith's 14-year tenure on the cobbles - which was first revealed earlier this year. Taking to Instagram after the heartbreaking scenes aired, Colson shared a series of photos from filming his final scenes. He penned: "My dump from my final block as Craig Tinker on Coronation Street. "Thank you for having me." Fans were left in tears as Craig's death played out as one penned on X: "Craig's cruel demise. RIP darl." Another added: "Some scenes don't just move you, they stay with you. That was today." A third commented: "What a sad ending even though I knew it was coming yes I did cry ! "Going to miss Craig RIP Pc Tinker and fantastic acting from @colsonsmith and @realsamia." A fourth wrote: "We've literally watched Craig grow up on our screens, now we've just gotta say goodbye to him?? forever???? nah this is sick." Coronation Street favourite left for dead in brutal attack after actor is axed from soap Before Craig, there have been many other shocking deaths from over the years. Listed below are among the most memorable - as well as gut-wrenching. Kylie Platt 8 Kylie Platt died in her husband David's arms Credit: ITV Played by Paula Lane, viewers were heartbroken by Kylie Platt's tragic death in 2016. The character - who was half-sister to Becky Granger (Katherine Kelly) and mother to Max Turner (Paddy Bever) - debuted in 2010. Kylie died in dramatic fashion after being stabbed by thug Clayton Hibbs (Callum Harrison) - who had been assaulting her friend Gemma (Dolly-Rose Campbell). Speaking ahead of the scenes airing, Paula said: "I'm not just saying this because I'm involved – but I don't think I've ever read an ending like it. 'The audience are going to get a real sense of shock and surprise – how a sudden death really is. They're going to feel those emotions." Tina McIntyre 8 Tina McIntyre was killed off in 2014 Credit: ITV Viewers were first introduced to Michelle Keegan's feisty Tina McIntyre in 2008. She was originally girlfriend to David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) but had further romances while on the cobbles. Towards the end of her stint, Tina began an affair with Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) - who was married to Carla Connor (Alison King). But when she threatened to expose the truth, Carla's brother Rob Donovan (Marc Baylis) ended up in a confrontation with her. Fans watched Tina fall off balcony after she lost her footing - and vowed to Rob that she would tel the police he pushed her. Left panicked, Rob resorted to murder by clobbering Tina over the head with a metal pipe. Jack Duckworth 8 Jack Duckworth had a very poignant death scene Credit: Handout As portrayed by Bill Tarmey, Corrie legend Jack Duckworth had a very poignant goodbye scene. Jack appeared in the ITV soap from 1979 up until his final scenes on November 8, 2010. That final episode saw Tyrone (Alan Halsall) organise Jack's 74th birthday party in The Rovers. The soap legend quietly left - after waving goodbye to Ken Barlow (William Roache), who raised a glass to him. Putting on the Matt Monro record Softly As I Leave You, Jack is reunited with late wife Vera's ghost as he passes on. The two have an emotional dance together and share a kiss representing Jack's death. Later that evening - Tyrone, his then-wife Molly (Vicky Binns) and Jack's companion Connie (Rita May) returned to find him dead in his arm chair. Sinead Tinker 8 Viewers were heartbroken to lose Sinead Tinker from the cobbles Credit: ITV In 2013, actress Katie McGlynn began portraying Sinead Tinker on the cobbles. She notably had romances with Chesney Brown (Sam Aston) and Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard). The character was first diagnosed with cervical cancer back in 2018. However, the disease later spread with Sinead told she had just months left to live. Viewers were heartbroken by late 2019 when she ultimately lost her battle. Surrounded by husband, auntie Beth, and son Bertie, Sinead battled side-effects and illness as she slowly accepted her fate. She discussed the after life possibilities with vicar Billy as she admitted that she hopes she'll be able to look over Bertie once she has gone. Rana Habeeb 8 Rana Habeeb died under tragic circumstances Credit: ITV Rana Habeeb arrived in 2016, as a new love interest for Zeedan Nazir (Qasim Ahktar). Played by Bhavna Limbachia, viewers also met Rana's own family - such as brother Imran (Charlie de Melo). She later formed a relationship with friend Kate Connor (Faye Brookes) with the two becoming engaged. However, a tragic turn of events saw Rana crushed in a factory collapse on her wedding day. Rana insisted the pair got married after Imran helped Kate battle through the police to see her for one last time. But viewers were devastated as the fan favourite passed away in Kate's arms. Most devastating soap deaths SOAP viewers are frequently left heartbroken after watching some of their favourite characters bite the dust. Here is a list of the most devastating deaths that have taken place in soapland over the years. EASTENDERS Barry Evans - Evil Janine (Charlie Brooks) lured her trusting fiance to Scotland for a quickie marriage after learning he was dying. Her plan to inherit Barry's fortune was thwarted when Barry told her that the doctors had mixed up his medical files. Furious that she was no longer set for a windfall, she pushed Barry off a cliff after telling him their love was 'fake'. Bradley Branning - Bradley was accused of killing Stacey Slater's rapist Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb) after he punched him twice on the night he died. He was spotted in the Square by a police woman who chased him up a fire escape. Bradley lost his balance and tragically plunged to his death. CORONATION STREET Tina McIntyre - Tina was getting it on with Peter Barlow - despite him being married to Carla Connor. When she threatened to reveal the truth, Carla's brother Rob got into a physical altercation with her. Tina lost her footing and fell off a balcony - then warned Rob she was going to tell the cops he pushed her. In a panic, Rob brutally clobbered her over the head with a metal pipe. Molly Dobbs - Molly was one of the victims in Corrie's 2010 tram crash, alongside Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold). Married to Tyrone (Alan Halsall), Molly had been having an affair with Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) in the months before her death. This resulted in the birth of their son, Jack (Kyran Bowes), who was named after Jack Duckworth. As fate would have it, Kevin's wife Sally (Sally Dynevor) was by Molly's side in her final moments. Sally was stunned as Molly confessed Kevin was Jack's father, before dying of her injuries. Vera Duckworth - Having appeared regularly in Corrie since the 1970s, there was no denying Vera Duckworth was an iconic character. Alongside her husband Jack, the pair formed one of the soap's most beloved couples. Viewers were heartbroken when Vera was killed off in 2008, being discovered having passed away peacefully in her chair. Liz Dawn, who played Vera, made a brief return two years later for Bill Tarmey's exit as Jack. Paul Foreman - Fans were heartbroken when Paul Foreman succumbed to his illness after battling motor neurone disease. Introduced in 2018 as David Platt's (Jack P. Shepherd) cellmate, he later embarked on a romance - and marriage - with vicar Billy Mayhew. The MND storyline was announced in 2023 - with the expectation it would result in the character's death. EMMERDALE Sarah Sugden - After the family got into financial problems, Sarah's son Andy (Kelvin Fletcher) decided to make some quick cash from an insurance company by setting fire to the Sugden barn. He didn't realise his mum was inside the building, and she got trapped in the blaze. Nine villagers - The shocking 1993 plane crash episode brought in 18 million viewers for Emmerdale. Mark Hughes was killed by a falling wall, Archie Brooks was burned by jet fuel, Elizabeth Pollard was killed by debris and newcomer Leonard Kempinski died in a car crash caused by the crash. Five other non-recurring characters from the village also died. HOLLYOAKS Carmel McQueen - The talented singer died in shocking scenes when a train crashed into a her family's car. Carmel managed to free her cousin Theresa from the rubble - but got stuck in it herself. Moments later the train exploded and Carmel died in the arms of her family members, promising to be their guardian angel. One fan wrote on X, then Twitter: "Kate being told that Rana won't get scream @Faye_Brookes" Another penned: "Rana and Kate's screams will haunt me for f**ing ever." Wihile a third said: "Well... The tears are flowing... #Rana #Kana @BhavnaLimbachia" Coronation Street continues on ITV1 and ITVX.
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Coronation Street star Colson Smith swaps ITV for the BBC as he lands new job - days after his character in the soap was brutally killed off
Coronation Street star Colson Smith has landed a new role at the BBC just days after his character was brutally killed off by the ITV soap. The actor, 26 - who had played PC Craig Tinker in Corrie for 14 years - was left gutted after ITV bosses broke the news to him that his time on the soap was to come to an end. Craig Tinker's final scenes aired on Wednesday night, with fans fuming that the soap star had been 'done dirty' after he was beaten to death with a bat by Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton). But Colson has moved on quickly from the disappointment, as he took Instagram on Friday to reveal he's swapped ITV for the BBC. 'Thank you so much for all the love this week! I really appreciate it,' he wrote. 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. 'Some of you have been asking, what next for me? There's a few exciting things going off! 'BUT one thing I can tell you for now, is that I'm joining the team at BBC Radio Leeds this summer!! Catch ya on the wireless in Yorkshire!!' Fans seemed delighted for Colson after the actor shared his 'brilliant news'. They wrote: 'WooHoooooooo!!!! Now this makes me VERY happy!!! Good lad!!!', 'Such a lovely lad, hope you'll go in to presenting x', 'Good news ,your stylish approach to your Corrie departure is to be applauded', 'This is so good for for you'. During an appearance on This Morning earlier this week, Colson opened up about the emotional moment he found out his time in Weatherfield was coming to an end. Fans took to the comments section of Colson's post to praise him for the new role Taking to the iconic sofa alongside Ben Shephard, 50, and Cat Deeley, 48, on Thursday, he 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. '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."' Colson described finding out the cast's reaction to the news as the 'hardest thing'. 'I found out on the night and went in next day, it was Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt's last day,' he said. '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.' Fans were left truly heartbroken watching Colson's alter-ego Craig die on their screens. 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.' Many rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their heartbreak over the devastating scenes that aired on Wednesday evening '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.' '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.'
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tragic soap icons who should never have been killed off as Craig brutally axed
A number of soap icons in Emmerdale, Coronation Street and EastEnders have died in the most tragic circumstances - with fans left devastated by their loss Soaps like Emmerdale, EastEnders and Coronation Street have given us some of the heartstopping and dramatic deaths. From falling off buildings to being pushed onto train tracks, or dying in a limousine crash, the soaps have seen it all! After the sad and shocking death of Craig Tinker on Coronation Street, we've looked back at some other heartbreaking deaths from the Dales, from the Cobbles and also from Albert Square. From the death of fan favourite and Dales favourite Rishi Sharma, to the iconic but devastating double death of Roxy and Ronnie Mitchell, we take a look back at six deaths that should have never happened! Craig Tinker Much-loved policeman Craig Tinker - played by Colson Smith - was killed in shocking scenes this week. Craig was murdered by Mick after finding out the truth about his son Brody and the police officer was caught in the firing line. Speaking about his exit, he said: "When I was in the chat with Kate [Brooks] I'd already braced myself for what was about to happen. I have been in that building since I was 12 years old, so I know exactly how it works. "I knew that my time was up and I knew that Craig had backed himself into a corner that was going to be really hard to get out of, so I fully expected the chat to go that way. There had been about 20 minutes of Kate talking to me, but we hadn't touched on when or how, or who or what. So I kind of stopped Kate and said, 'Look, I have two questions, and one is when, and two is do I get killed?.'" He added: "And she kind of like, stopped and stumbled a little bit. And I said, if it makes it easier for you, the right answer for me is yes. Like for me to go, I would want to leave. I would want to die, I would want the door to be shut, so then I can kind of know in my head that Corrie has been this, Corrie has done that, and it is now done, and Craig's journey is over." Paul Foreman In tragic scenes, fans bid a heartbreaking goodbye to Paul Foreman, played by Peter Ash. Paul was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in the months before his death and he drew his last breath in sad scenes last year. Billy didn't make it in time for Paul to die but he believed he had spoken to Paul on the phone, with Bernie having lied that Paul was alive at that moment, leading to fans in tears at what happened. "With a storyline like that there's a lot of pressure to get it right. Obviously you don't want to misrepresent it or anything, so there is a lot of research being done. It's tough and it's been such a heavy storyline, but it feels good knowing we're getting it right," he said. "The response to it has been amazing from people living with MND themselves, and also their families responding to it, so it's been amazing in that regard ... I massively thank Iain and Verity [MacLeod] for trusting me with this story. It's a double-edged sword. I always knew it would be an eventual exit unless we were lucky enough to find a cure [for MND] in that time..." Roxy and Ronnie Mitchell Still one of the saddest soap deaths ever, Roxy and Ronnie Mitchell died in a swimming pool. The pair died back in 2017 when Ronnie drowned in her wedding dress while trying to save her sister. Rita Simons recently reprised her role for a brief stint as her daughter Amy Mitchell struggled with her mental health. Speaking about the moment, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said of her return: "I'm thrilled to welcome the fabulous Rita back to the iconic role of Roxy Mitchell for these special scenes. "Although the character was last seen on-screen in January 2017, Roxy still remains a fan favourite. We know our audiences will be thrilled at her short return as Amy seeks some all-important answers from her mum at this point in the storyline." Kush Kazemi Kush was died in shocking scenes when his arch nemesis and villain Gray Atkins murdered him. Kush had tried to save Gray's life but the serial killer decided to end things for Kush and pushed him in front of a train. "I have really enjoyed being part of that final storyline, my time over the six and a half years has culminated in something that people will remember. He's the first character to be killed in this way so it's an EastEnders first, and when you leave a show like this and the door's open, that question can stay over you for a very long time, but this is very definitive, of course, and I'm happy with that," Davood Ghadami - who played Lush - said. Leyla Harding A more recent but equally heartbreaking death on Emmerdale was actually part of some wider sad scenes when Leyla was one of the three victims of the harrowing limousine crash in the village lake earlier this year. Roxy Shahidi exited the soap after several years, with the actress breaking her silence on her exit. She said: "Of course, it's sad to see my character die, and I have loved playing Leyla because she is so funny, camp, and a brilliant character. But at the same time, if I had left it another five years, I might not have felt as excited as I do now. "I have had a long time to process everything and I am looking forward to my next chapter. I've always wanted to explore other things and now I've got the opportunity." Rishi Sharma No one was expecting Rishi to die! An Emmerdale icon, he lost his life when his villainous brother pushed him down the stairs to his death. As his son Jai tied the knot, Rishi was lying dead at the bottom of the stairs. Bidding his farewell to his character, Bhasker Patel said: "When the producer rang me and said: 'I need to talk to you and we're killing you off because we want a big story and it's going to be a big surprise.' "Because my 12 years at ITV, they let me do a lot of other work, so I felt a part of ITV, a part of Rishi, but at the same time... I was working in London as well. So when the producer said 'we're going to kill you off', I was like: 'Okay, that part of my life with this guy is over and I'm going to move on.''
