Joe Layton Speaks Out: Coronation Street’s Newest Villain Reveals All After Tragic Craig Tinker Twist 😱🔪🎭

In a jaw-dropping twist that’s sent shockwaves through the Coronation Street fanbase, actor Joe Layton has finally broken his silence about his character’s dark turn—and the sudden, heartbreaking exit of beloved fan favorite Craig Tinker, played by Colson Smith.

Having only joined the ITV soap a few months ago, Joe Layton has quickly gone from fresh face to central figure in one of the most explosive storylines Weatherfield has seen in years. Now, in an emotional and candid interview, Layton reveals what it was like to step into the shoes of a killer, and how he coped with the pressure of being the man responsible for Craig’s shocking end.

A Sudden Rise… and a Deadly Secret

Joe Layton’s arrival on Coronation Street as the mysterious newcomer Alex seemed, at first, to be a routine addition—a seemingly harmless, even charming figure with a slightly troubled past. But behind the friendly smile was a sinister agenda that would ultimately lead to the death of PC Craig Tinker, one of the show’s longest-running and most beloved characters.

“From the moment I got the call, I knew this wasn’t just any role,” Joe confessed. “They told me I’d be involved in a big twist, but I didn’t realize how massive it was until I read the scripts.”

Craig’s final scenes aired earlier this week, leaving viewers stunned and heartbroken. The beloved police officer met his tragic end after uncovering Alex’s dark secret, leading to a confrontation that quickly turned fatal.

Joe Layton: “It Was Intense”

Speaking for the first time since the episode aired, Layton admitted the storyline came with enormous pressure—not only because of the sensitive subject matter, but because of Colson Smith’s status as a Coronation Street staple.

“Colson was so generous throughout the process,” Joe said. “He made me feel welcome from day one, and even when we were shooting those really heavy scenes, he was right there, supportive, and totally professional. I knew fans would be devastated. I was devastated too.”

Joe described filming the final confrontation as “one of the most intense days” of his career.

“It was emotional. You don’t just kill off a character like Craig without feeling the weight of it. The script was powerful, and the energy on set was electric. We knew we were making something unforgettable.”

Craig Tinker: A Farewell to a Fan Favorite

Craig Tinker, portrayed by Colson Smith since 2011, had become one of Corrie’s most endearing and relatable characters. From his early days as a quirky teenager to his recent struggles balancing his police career and personal relationships, Craig’s growth had been central to the show’s heart.

His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from longtime viewers.

“I grew up watching Craig,” one fan tweeted. “He was the heart of the street. I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Another wrote: “Gutted. Absolutely gutted. This is the biggest loss since Hayley or Aidan.”

Colson Smith has yet to speak in-depth about his departure, but insiders say the decision was mutual and planned well in advance, with the intention of giving the character a memorable and meaningful exit.

A Villain With Layers

Though his character has committed the ultimate betrayal, Joe Layton hopes viewers will eventually understand that Alex isn’t just a one-dimensional villain.

“He’s not evil for the sake of it,” Layton explained. “He’s broken. He’s been through things no one really knows about yet. What he did is inexcusable, but there’s a backstory there. He’s someone who made all the wrong choices trying to escape his pain.”

That complexity, Joe says, is what drew him to the role.

“I wanted to challenge myself—and challenge the audience. I knew it was risky, stepping into such a dark storyline so quickly, but this is what great drama is made of.”

What’s Next for Alex—and Joe?

With Craig’s death sending ripples through Weatherfield, Alex’s secret is bound to unravel soon. Layton teases that the fallout will be “messy, emotional, and completely gripping.”

As for his future on Coronation Street, Joe remains tight-lipped, only hinting that “the best—or the worst—is yet to come.”

“I can’t say much, but trust me—this is just the beginning. Things are going to get even darker before the truth comes out.”

A Storyline That Will Be Remembered

Love it or hate it, this shocking twist has cemented Joe Layton’s place in Coronation Street history. From fresh face to feared villain in a matter of weeks, his performance has ignited conversation, emotion, and controversy.

And while fans mourn the loss of Craig Tinker, they’ll no doubt be keeping their eyes on Alex—if only to see how far his lies will take him… and how long before justice comes calling.