ITV has dropped an emotional and action-packed new trailer ahead of Craig Tinker’s heartbreaking final scenes on Coronation Street, confirming that the much-loved Weatherfield police officer will face his toughest moment yet. In the gripping clip, Craig is shown severely injured and unconscious, lying in a hospital bed after what appears to be a brutal and targeted assault. His fate now hangs in the balance as his loved ones watch on in despair.

The release of this intense footage comes just months after news broke that actor Colson Smith, who has portrayed Craig for over a decade, would be leaving the soap in a highly dramatic storyline. Many fans were stunned by the decision to write him out, especially given how central his character has been in recent years.

As speculation grows about what exactly led to the attack — and who is responsible — the promo has left fans fearing the worst. Will Craig recover from his horrific injuries, or is this truly the end of the road for him in Weatherfield? ITV promises an emotional rollercoaster in the episodes ahead, with Craig’s exit shaping up to be one of the most powerful moments of the year.

Asha and the paramedics rush to save Craig’s life (Credit: ITV)

Craig Tinker’s life hangs in the balance following Coronation Street attack

In the video, a voiceover from DS Swain asks: “If we knew today was our last day on earth, what would we do differently?” And, as images of a broken and bloodied Craig flood the screen, she further intones: “There isn’t always more time.”

Craig’s attack airs next week (starting Monday, May 19) amid a series of episodes devoted to him, Kit and Mick. As the week progresses, the soap reveals the the truth about Kit and Mick’s complicated relationship… leaving Kit’s family and friends in grave danger.

As the week begins, an excited Craig is thrilled to be starting his placement week, shadowing Kit in CID. However, with Kit following his own shady agenda, events soon spiral out of control, and Craig is brutally attacked.

Will he pull through?

Asha tends to battered Craig (Credit: ITV)

Colson Smith opens up on Craig’s ‘bloody’ final storyline

Speaking on Craig’s impending departure from the soap, Colson said: “I can’t wait for people to see Craig’s final scenes. It is exactly the exit I wanted for him and we are all really proud of what we filmed in those final weeks.”

He continued: “It was actually great fun. I was walking around covered in fake blood for days and I was chuffed that I got to work with so many brilliant people in this final storyline.”

News broke earlier this year of Colson’s axing from the soap, with the actor releasing a statement in January. He said at the time: “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker‘s time on the Cobbles is to come to an end in 2025. I’ve LOVED every single second of my 14 year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world.”

He continued: “I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street. I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I’m excited to play out the exit story for Our Craigy.”

Colson added: “For me, this is the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter two has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!”