Does Craig Tinker die? Colson Smith leaving Coronation Street tonight

Craig Tinker is at the centre of dramatic scenes this week (Picture: ITV)

This article contains spoilers for tonight’s Coronation Street, which has not yet aired on TV but is available to watch now on ITVX.

Monday night’s instalment of Coronation Street saw Craig Tinker left for dead in dramatic scenes after being attacked on duty, but is actor Colson Smith leaving the show or will Craig pull through?

Craig has been a staple on our screens since 2011, when he arrived as the young son of Beth Tinker.

Viewers have watched the character grow up on the cobbles, going from schoolboy to police officer in front of our very eyes.

Now though, Craig is left fighting for his life after being struck over the head with a baseball bat, and left for dead in the precinct.

Is Colson Smith leaving Coronation Street?

Craig has been left fighting for his life (Picture: ITV)

Colson Smith has left his role as Craig Tinker, with his final scenes set to air this week.

‘Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the Cobbles is to come to end in 2025,’ Colson wrote on Instagram in January as he announced his departure.

‘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.’

Does Craig Tinker die?

In tonight’s episode, Craig’s condition takes a turn for the worse as he tries to tell colleague Jess what happened to him.

Though doctors attempt to resuscitate him, Craig doesn’t respond to the CPR and is pronounced dead, much to the devastation of his family and friends.

The actor filmed his last scenes on the show in March, and revealed that receiving his final scripts was ‘a lot to process’.

He shared another post to Instagram after his final day on set, receiving plenty of love from fellow castmates past and present.

‘Love it mate,’ Kirk Sutherland actor Andy Whyment wrote, while returning star Ryan Thomas added: ‘Brilliant.’

This article was first published on May 19, 2025.