From Cobbles to Country Life: Colson Smith’s Bold Career Shift After Coronation Street Exit 🚔🐑🎙️
Colson Smith, best known for his portrayal of PC Craig Tinker on Coronation Street, has officially closed one of the most memorable chapters of his life. After 14 years of playing the kind-hearted and often underestimated Weatherfield police officer, the actor is stepping into an entirely new world—one that couldn’t be more different from the streets of Manchester.
Following his character’s shocking and brutal exit from the long-running soap, Colson is now embracing fresh opportunities that are both surprising and inspiring.
A Dramatic Farewell
Craig Tinker’s storyline ended in a brutal fashion, leaving fans reeling. His attempt to confront the increasingly dangerous Mick Michaelis ended in tragedy, as the beloved officer was left for dead following a vicious baseball bat assault. While many fans initially feared the worst, actor Colson Smith took to social media shortly after the episode aired with a cryptic message: “He’s just sleeping.” It was both a cheeky nod to the ambiguity of soap deaths and an unofficial farewell to a character that had grown up alongside the audience.
The end of Craig’s journey also marked the beginning of Colson’s exciting next chapter—a chapter that moves away from television sets and into new, very unexpected territory.
From Scripted Drama to Real-Life Radio
In a surprising but fitting twist, Colson Smith has landed a brand-new role in broadcasting. He will be joining BBC Radio Leeds as a presenter this summer, where he hopes to bring his authentic charm and humor to the airwaves.
Speaking about his move into radio, Colson shared how thrilled he is to try something new that allows him to still connect with people, albeit in a different format. After spending most of his adult life on-screen, this shift provides him the chance to explore conversations, storytelling, and connection in a more intimate, unscripted way.
“I’ve always loved talking to people and sharing stories,” he said. “Radio gives me the perfect space to do that—without someone handing me a script!”
Getting His Hands Dirty—Literally
As if radio wasn’t a surprising enough transition, Colson has also taken on an unexpected side hustle: lambing on a farm. That’s right—the former soap star is now helping deliver lambs in the countryside.
Fans were stunned (and delighted) when Colson posted photos of himself in wellies and farm gear, wrist-deep in rural life. It turns out, his sister is a vet, and she brought him along for lambing season, where he found himself knee-deep in a completely different kind of drama.
“It’s mad,” he laughed in an interview. “You go from chasing down bad guys on screen to literally catching newborn lambs. But honestly, it’s been one of the most grounding and rewarding experiences I’ve had.”
The hands-on work has not only given him a new appreciation for animal care and rural living but also served as a much-needed mental reset after years in the high-pressure world of television.
Back to the Audition Room
While Colson’s focus is currently on farming and radio, he hasn’t abandoned acting altogether. He recently auditioned for a role in an upcoming season of the BBC crime dramedy Ludwig. The part? A young, slightly bumbling police officer—not unlike Craig Tinker.
Despite the similarities, Colson admitted that returning to the familiar felt odd. “I walked into the audition room and thought, ‘Hang on—I’ve done this before,’” he joked. “But it was a nice reminder that I still love acting. I just want to explore different kinds of roles now.”
Whether or not he lands the part, the experience reignited his passion for performance and reminded him that stepping out of one door doesn’t mean others won’t open.
Saying Goodbye to Craig—and Hello to Himself
Colson Smith’s departure from Coronation Street marks more than just a professional shift. It represents a personal transformation as well. He’s grown up in front of the cameras, evolving from a shy teenager into a confident and multi-talented adult.
In recent years, he’s also been open about his fitness journey and mental health, becoming an advocate for self-growth and resilience. Now, with his feet planted both on the farm and in the studio, Colson is embracing the freedom to redefine himself outside of Craig Tinker’s shadow.
“I’ll always love that character,” he said. “He gave me so much. But there comes a time when you need to live a little, take risks, and find out who you are without the uniform.”
What’s Next?
So, what does the future hold for Colson Smith?
With a radio debut on the horizon, a potential role in a new TV series, and perhaps a few more sheep to deliver, the possibilities are wide open. Fans will no doubt be watching closely—and listening—to see where his journey takes him next.
One thing’s for sure: whether he’s behind a microphone or mucking out a barn, Colson Smith is proving that life after the cobbles can be just as exciting—and maybe even a little more real.
