ITV Coronation Street star announces career change to BBC days after being killed off soap: ‘Exciting things!’
Former Coronation Street actor Colson Smith has revealed his next career move following his dramatic exit from the soap.
The actor, who played PC Craig Tinker, has announced he will be joining BBC Radio Leeds this summer.
Smith’s character was killed off in brutal scenes that aired last week, marking the end of his time on the cobbles after more than a decade.
The news comes just hours after viewers watched Craig’s final moments on screen, with fans still reacting to the shocking departure of the long-running character.
Taking to Instagram, Smith shared a photo of himself standing next to a giant BBC logo and expressed his gratitude to fans following his character’s exit.
“Thank you so much for all the love this week! I really appreciate it!” he wrote.
The actor then addressed his future plans, adding: “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!!”
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The announcement confirms Smith has wasted no time in securing his next role after leaving the ITV soap.
Smith’s former co-stars were quick to respond to his career announcement.
Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany Platt in the soap, commented on his post with: “big bad colson (bbc) x.”
Andy Whyment, known for his role as Kirk Sutherland, also showed his support by adding: “Love it mate.”
The positive reactions from his Coronation Street colleagues demonstrate the strong relationships Smith built during his time on the show.
His move to radio represents a significant change of direction for the actor, who had become a familiar face on television screens across the UK during his years playing Craig Tinker.
Smith had reportedly learned about his character’s fate last year and wasn’t surprised by the decision, as other characters connected to him had already departed the show.
In an interview this week, Smith expressed that he was “very happy to be killed off” and made it clear he wouldn’t be returning for any flashback scenes or as a vision/ghost.
The circumstances surrounding Craig’s death involved newcomer Layton, who recalled their first meeting.
He said: “On my first day, I arrived in the green room and met Colson Smith. He said: ‘I think you’re gonna kill me!’ I said: ‘I think I might’.”