It was sad week in Coronation Street this week, as Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) was killed off after a brutal assault in a tear jerking episode. It was announced earlier this year that the star would be leaving the soap – and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight when he left the cobbles for good on Wednesday night.
Colson was axed from the show last year, and just days after his tragic onscreen death, he’s taken to Instagram to announce his new job with BBC Radio Leeds.
Taking to his Instagram to thank followers for all the love this week, Colson, 26, wrote: “Thank you so much for all the love this week! I really appreciate it!”
He then had big news to share with his followers. Alongside a picture of him outside a BBC building, he wrote: “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!!”
Colson is no stranger to speaking to a mic, as he fronts the On The Sofa with Colson, Jack and Ben podcast alongside cast mates and besties, Jack P. Shepherd and Ben Price who play David Platt and Nick Tilsley in the long running ITV soap.
Fans were overjoyed at the news, as they took to the comments to congratulate the star. “Go Colson!” exclaimed one fan, while another excited follower penned: “That’s exciting ekkk!”
A third devastated Corrie fan penned: “The last few episodes have been amazing. So sad you’re gone!! Wishing you all the best and look forward to watching your next journey.”
Earlier this week, Colson joined Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on the This Morning sofa to chat about his exit, where he spoke about the “hard” moment he learnt he’d been given the axe.
Recalling his meeting with producer Kate Brooks, the star said: “Getting told is hard, hearing the words – I tried really hard not to put the words into her mouth. As soon as I knew, I was at peace with what was going on.” Despite asking to be killed off from the soap, Colson has also revealed he had no idea how brutal it would be.”
Although some actors would be gutted to hear their character was going to be killed off, Colson said if there was a way he wanted to go, that would be it.
“For me to go, I would want to leave. I would want to die, I would want the door to be shut, so then I can kind of know in my head that Corrie has been this, Corrie has done that, and it is now done, and Craig’s journey is over,” he told Ben and Cat.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV X.
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