Coronation Street fans tell Colson Smith 'stop it' after NTAs throwback

Coronation Street's Colson Smith
-Credit: (Image: Colson Smith Instagram)


Coronation Street's Colson Smith has received a playful 'stop it' from fans after he posted an unrecognisable throwback photo on social media, which left some followers doing a double-take.

Best known for his role as Craig Tinker, or PC Craig Tinker to use his full title, the actor has been a fixture on the ITV soap since 2011. Now in his 13th year, Smith credits the show's viewers for his extended run, having initially signed up for just two episodes alongside his on-screen mum, Beth Tinker, portrayed by Lisa George, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The pair were kept on due to positive audience reaction, as the 26 year old actor recounted to Metro. Having grown up on screen, Colson Smith's transformation over the years has been witnessed by the show's dedicated audience. This was highlighted when he shared a nostalgic image of himself as a young Craig, dressed in school attire, causing quite a stir among fans.

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Ahead of the National Television Awards, Smith captioned the snapshot: "WHAT DAY IS IT? NTA DAY," while brandishing a past award. The post prompted reactions from fans such as @ally_t_scott who remarked: "Awe look how young you were."

Others joined in with @bigoaks73 saying: "Haven't changed a bit. Doing a great job." and @tomj2912 adding: "Oh bless look at little you @colsonjsmith."

@lauraclare96 also chimed in with: "Awww look at you! ! Best of luck guys! ! ". Twitter user @joandean8879 commended Colson, posting: "Oh wow, didn't realise you were that young when you started. Well done."

Meanwhile, @oliveessex1978 expressed disbelief: "Stop it @colsonjsmith, that's never you? ! " and @joyceoneil560 commented on his growth: "All handsome and grown up into a gorgeous young man."

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-Credit:Colson Smith Instagram

The star, Colson recently surprised fans with a significant alteration to his looks. Confirming at the end of last month that he had undergone a hair transplant just the previous week, he shared an upbeat photo displaying a fresh look, noticeably his usual hairstyle showcasing a shaved front while preserving some red hair at the back.

Discussing his choice for the hair transplant, Colson admitted to followers: "Slightly different to my usual hairstyle... On Monday I had a hair transplant. A transplant has been on my agenda since I first noticed my hair loss at the age 22! Losing my hair at such a young age has been a tough thing for me to come to terms with, I instantly feel SOOO much better and more confident that I've taken a step to getting back my luscious strawberry blonde locks."

He further elaborated: "When I first met @bessamfarjo in 2023 he helped me understand my hair loss and the future of my hair, I feel so lucky to now be on my hair journey with such a talented and friendly team based here in Manchester. @farjohairinstitute. No more comb-overs and baseball caps. Here's to a future of having a cracking head of hair! ".