Coronation Street fans were met with a surprising development in tonight’s episode, as Craig Tinker shared some unexpected news that may be setting the stage for his eventual departure from Weatherfield. The character, who has been a familiar face on the cobbles for over a decade, appeared to take a step in a new direction — sparking speculation that this could be the beginning of his exit storyline. Earlier this year, actor Colson Smith confirmed that he would be leaving the ITV soap after an impressive 14-year run. According to Colson, he was informed in late 2023 that his character would be written out, and since then, viewers have been eagerly watching for clues as to how Craig’s story will come to an end. Tonight’s episode may just be the first major hint at what’s to come.

Tonight’s episode saw Craig share his big news with Roy Cropper, popping by the cafe in a perky mood, where he ordered a tea and Eccles cake from Roy, letting slip he was in a celebratory mood.

When Roy enquired about his good news, Craig told him that he’d bagged another placement within the Police, being transferred to Weatherfield’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Roy offered his congratulations, with Craig replying: “Thank you Roy, I just hope this one makes my career progress more than the last one.”

ITV

ITV

Colson confirmed in early March that he had filmed his final scenes on the cobbles, which resulted in “plenty of tears” at the time, but the actor hasn’t let slip on Craig’s fate.

Rumours in the press have suggested that Craig’s exit might be a permanent one, with a source telling The Sun that the police officer could meet a traumatising end.

While unconfirmed, the newspaper reports that PC Tinker could be set to die on the job this summer in a storyline fit for a hero.

ITV

Could Craig’s new CID placement be the beginning of the end for him?

As for what’s next, Colson recently revealed details about his first audition post-Coronation Street for BBC crime dramedy Ludwig – though he wasn’t confident he’d landed the role.

“I knew I wasn’t going to get it sort of thing, because one, it was for a big show and two, a copper, but it was just a nice experience to get out and do it,” he said in a chat during the On The Sofa podcast with co-stars Ben Price and Jack P Shepherd.

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.