Coronation Street star Colson Smith 'has no words' as cast speaks out on unexpected exit
The actor has fallen short of marking 14 years in the ITV soap as he filmed his final scenes as Craig Tinker
Coronation Street star Colson Smith said he had 'no words' as a number of this castmates spoke out following his exit from the long-running show.
The actor has fallen short of marking 14 years in the ITV soap, having joined back in the summer of 2011 as Craig Tinker. He filmed the last of his scenes on Friday (March 21) before hosting a leaving party in Manchester.
At the end of last week that Colson revealed he had headed to Corrie's Trafford-based set to film for the final time, with rumours hinting that his exit storyline will mark a permanent end to Craig.
On Friday morning, he shared a picture from his car that showed the ITV building in front of him. The soap star could be seen listening to the Macy Gray track 'I Try' as he captioned the post: "The Last Dance," with a hand making a heart emojis and an orange heart icon.
Later, Colson returned to Instagram with a snap in which he could be sitting above the iconic Rovers Return sign. Alongside the post, the 26-year-old simply issued a seven-word message which read: "CORONATION STREET I LOVE YOU, THANK YOU."
Now, Colson has given a glimpse inside his leaving part as a number of her co-stars, both past and present, also took to social media to speak about his exit from the soap.
Taking to Instagram, he shared photos from his leaving bash, complete with police tape and police car balloons, where he was seen alongside new Dancing on Ice winner Sam Aston (Chesney Brown), fellow Corrie cop Jacob Robers (Kit Green) and Tony Maudsley (George Shuttleworth).
Captioning the post, Colson wrote: "Leaving doo dump. The perfect ending to the perfect chapter 1." Quick to respond was Corrie legend Andy Whyment (Kirk Sutherland) who said: "An amazing send off for you mate." Brooke Vincent (Sophie Wesbter) gushed: "Love you."
It comes after they both spoke out in their own social media posts. Andy took to Instagram with a snap of himself and Colson at his leaving party, with a police car balloon seen floating behind them.
Alongside the post, the soap star wrote: "Last night we had @colsonjsmith Coronation Street leaving party. I’ve seen a lot of people leave the show over the 24 years I’ve been there but I can honestly say this one has hit me so hard.
"I’ve watched you grow from the chubby ginger kid with Daryl the rat when you were 12 years of age to the caring loving man you are today, I know we won’t be working together anymore but I’ll always be here as a friend. Go out there and smash it as I know you will, but I as will millions of people miss PC Craig Tinker."
Responding to the post, Colson wrote in the comments section: "Nothing but love and respect Andy. The perfect way for it to end!" Andy then replied: "It was a fantastic night for a diamond of a human being, there was so much love on that room for you Cols. You will be missed."
Brooke, meanwhile, alongside a picture of the pair at the exit bash, as well as pictures of them together over the years they've been friends, she wrote on Instagram: "A million memories together [red heart emoji].
"My work little/ big brother, I adore you, I am so excited for your next adventure. A true friend and loved by everybody, last night shown that [red heart icon and clapping emoji]. See you soon my friend! 'Tell me a joke mum' … 'You’re my biggest joke Colson!'"
She also shared the post to her Instagram Story and said: "I'm not crying I promise." And Colson was clearly taken aback as he responded in the comments section: "I have no words Brooke," alongside an orange heart emoji.