Axed Coronation Street star left gobsmacked as show legend makes unexpected call
Coronation Street's Colson Smith has opened up about an unexpected phone call he received from one of the soap's legends, following his exit announcement earlier this month.
Taking to Instagram, the 26-year-old said he was told last year that his 14-year stint as policeman Craig Tinker would be coming to an end in 2025.
Following the surprising announcement, the actor said he received a call from the soap's stalwart Barbara Knox, who plays Rita Tanner.
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Sharing details about their conversation, he revealed during the On the Sofa podcast: "When everyone found out I was leaving, I had one conversation which I was really surprised by, which was a phone call from a withheld number.
After confirming it was Barbara, he added: "[She said] 'People come and go all the time… and there’s some people who are there who love the show'.
"'You’re one of those people and I just want to say thank you for all the time that I’ve spent with you, and the way that you treat me'.
"And I was like, 'I appreciated this phone call a lot'. And then she basically said 'Good luck. I really hope that something comes for you'."
Speaking further alongside his co-hosts and castmates Jack P. Shepherd and Ben Price, Colson said Barbara asked him to stay in touch via "the little one", Jack.
As part of his exit announcement, the actor said he had loved "every single second" of portraying Craig and was excited to play out his exit storyline.
"I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home," he wrote.
"For me, this is just the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. LONG LIVE THE COBBLES!".
In response to his post, many of his co-stars admitted they were "gutted" by the news.
Alan Halsall wrote: "Gutted mate, but also excited for you, get out there and smash it."
Andy Whyment added: "I’m still absolutely gutted and you know how much you’re gonna be missed by us all.
"But I’m also really excited for you as I know you’re going to do really well, and you won’t be getting rid of me we’re friends for life now."
Ellie Leach typed: "Proud of you Tinks."