CORONATION Street fans have launched a passionate campaign to protect beloved actor Colson Smith amid growing fears that the ITV soap is letting go of some of its key stars.
The actor, who plays fan-favourite Craig Tinker, has been a staple on the cobbles since 2011, and earned a devoted following thanks to his relatable storylines and charm.
His character has been at the center of several major plot lines over the years including his career in the police force and his struggles with OCD.
However the actor has been AXED from the ITV soap after 14 years.
This comes after ITV confirmed a series of high-profile exits, leading viewers to speculate that more stars could be at risk of being written out.
Social media has been flooded with messages of support for Colson, who shed 11 stone during his time on the soap, with fans expressing outrage over recent casting decisions on the long-running soap.
One fan wrote on Twitter: “Why do they always get rid of the best characters? Can’t we keep Craig in exchange for kicking out Ken or Audrey?.”
Another added, “Let’s start a petition #keeppctinker.”
And one more said: “Wrong decision by the writers and producers.
“Why get rid of a character with so much potential but leave in dead end characters so bloody annoying.”
Colson was told he would be written out last year and broke the news in a statement to fans.
Colson confirmed that he was told he would be written out of the show after being delivered the news in Autumn 2024.
The actor wrote on Instagram: “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker’s time on the Cobbles is to come to end in 2025.
“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.”
He is the latest in a long-list of stars to leave the programme in recent months.
Craig’s on-screen mum, Beth Tinker, left show in the summer when actress Lisa George was written out from the role.
Meanwhile, Helen Worth announced her retirement before Christmas, waving goodbye to Gail Platt after 50 years.
Exit drama behind the scenes has also seen Kate Ford quitting last year before returning as Tracy Barlow part time.
Meanwhile, Dame Maureen Lipman moved onto a part time contract as grandmother Evelyn Plummer to “enjoy life”, she exclusively told The Sun.
Corrie legend Sue Cleaver, who has played Eileen Grimshaw for 25 years, announced she is leaving in an interview with The Sun.
The popular actress who appeared on I’m A Celebrity and in the stage musical Sister Act in recent years, said she is looking forward to trying new things once she’s wrapped her final scenes in Weatherfield.
Corrie’s new boss Kate Brooks said: “We’re sad to bid farewell to the wonderful Sue Cleaver.
The Sun yesterday told how a Coronation Street villain has also been murdered in brutal scenes just 16 months after arriving on the cobbles.
Shocking scenes saw Mason attacked by his brothers and flee – but the thugs chased him down.
Abi Webster found Mason bleeding out.
Corrie has said goodbye to several cast members this year. Let's break down who's left the famous soap:
Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) has said farewell to Corrie to start a new life in Germany.
The youngster moved to live with her dad Dom Everett, who went back on the £10,000 bribe Eliza’s grandfather Stu had offered to keep him out of her life.
Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) will bow out of the soap this summer when he loses his fight with motor neurone disease (MND) in tragic scenes.
After being diagnosed last year, the fan favourite was devastated to learn he only had months left to live.
Viewers know he is planning to take his own life to end his suffering.
Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) departed the cobbles after being offered the opportunity of a lifetime to study in America.
Though she struggled to decide with her stepdad Paul’s impending death from MND, she was convinced she had to live her life to the full.
Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) has struggled with the sudden departure of his father Peter from the cobbles.
The Weatherfield legend left his family and loved ones behind on Boxing Day, 2023, when his wife Carla Connor encouraged him to travel around the world with a friend.
Simon’s been on a downward spiral ever since and his exit could end in tragedy.
Alya Nazir is set to leave the cobbles as actress Sair Khan prepares to go on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child.
It looks likely she’ll be heading to Dublin after securing a lucrative new job, leaving her colleague and fling Adam Barlow behind.
Show stalwart Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, is taking a break to star in the Sister Act The Musical UK tour. She will be back filming in May once her dates on the tour come to an end.
Her character left the Street after her son Jason broke his back after falling off a moped in Asia.
Actor Luca Toolan admitted he was said to be killed off.
He said: “Of course when I first heard there was a mixture of emotions because I was sad that Mason was going to die and that means I would be leaving,.
“Equally I was really excited and honoured to be part of this storyline because it’s an incredibly important issue that needs to be tackled.
“I feel so privileged to have had this opportunity to start my professional career at Coronation Street and what a great time I’ve had.”
