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.
[boxout headline=”Colson confirms soap exit after 14 years”]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.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Coronation Street stars take swipe at secret soap backstage rules and reveal which cast member was given Helen Worth’s dressing room” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366646645112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]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.
SHOCK DEATH
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.
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.”
