Coronation Street legend Jack P Shepherd has opened up about his feelings after he missed out on a gong at the British Soap Awards as he admitted “it was a shock”
Jack P Shepherd with fiancée Hanni Treweek at the 2025 British Soap Awards (Image: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd has expressed his “shock” at missing out on a British Soap Award last weekend (Saturday, May 31).
The actor, who has played David Platt since he was just 12 years old in 2000, is a key part of the Platt family and recently celebrated his 25th anniversary on the show.
Jack’s character has had several near-death experiences on Corrie, including a terrifying incident in 2003 when Richard Hillman attempted to kill the Platt family by driving them into a canal.
Despite these dramatic moments, Jack was nominated for Best Comedy Performance at this year’s British Soap Awards, alongside Patsy Palmer (EastEnders), Nicola Wheeler (Emmerdale) and Nicole Barber-Lane (Hollyoaks).
Jack P Shepherd (R) with co-stars Colson Smith (C) and Ben Price (L) (Image: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
Having previously won Villain of the Year in 2008 and Best Actor in 2018, Jack was hoping to add a third award to his collection, reports Leicestershire Live.
In response to his On The Sofa co-star, Colson Smith, Jack joked: “I’ve been trying for years to get a nod for comedy because I’ve never been nominated for it before.”
Reflecting on his disappointment at not winning, he admitted: “It was a shock.
“If you watched it the other night, you will notice that my reaction is genuine. And I’m completely blown away that I didn’t win.”
In an earlier episode of the show, Jack had admitted he would have been especially “devastated” if he had lost out on the award to Patsy Palmer.
Despite the potential disappointment, the 37 year old emphasised that there was never any “hatred or rivalry” when watching stars from rival soaps take to the stage for their prizes.
Jack has previously won several awards for his Coronation Street role(Image: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
Corrie’s Jack P. Shepherd certainly didn’t hide his shock during the recent ceremony, as Coronation Street actors left with little to toast, compared to EastEnders which dominated the evening by sweeping up seven awards.
Only David Neilson managed to snag a trophy for the Weatherfield regulars at the eventful night.
Coronation Street returns this evening (Friday, June 6) at 8pm on ITV.
The Chase presenter Bradley Walsh has been on our television screens for over two decades, but before he made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, he had a very different career
02:42, 06 Jun 2025Updated 02:46, 06 Jun 2025
Bradley Walsh has been gracing our televisions for more than 20 years as a comedian, actor, and presenter
Bradley Walsh, the much-loved British television presenter who celebrated his 65th birthday this week, has previously hinted at “slowing down”, but with his jam-packed diary, it’s evident that day is nowhere in sight.
A familiar face on UK telly, he graces our screens with a variety of fan favourites such as ‘The Chase‘, ‘Gladiators’, ‘Blankety Blank’, and hits the road in ‘Breaking Dad’ with his son Barney Walsh.
But before becoming a television mainstay, Walsh kicked off his career joining Rolls Royce as an apprentice jet engineer and then briefly glimmered on the football pitch after being scouted by Brentford FC, until an unfortunate injury curtailed his play.
Bradley Walsh is one of the UK’s most well-known TV presenters
Starting in showbiz as a Pontins bluecoat entertainer gave Bradley his first taste of the stage life. Despite his natural fun-loving tendencies which often got him into trouble during school and previous occupations, his spirited antics eventually led to him losing this job.
Speaking to Comedy.co.uk earlier this year, Walsh reminisced: “Once I left that to get into the entertainment industry and become a blue coat, I got sacked from being the bloke that was messing around. I thought that was the job! In the end I thought to myself, why don’t I just get paid for messing around?”.
Post-Pontins, Walsh pursued a path in comedy stating, “That was a very conscious decision. So, I’ve got myself a routine together,”. Describing his comedic style, he said, “I was a very physical comic, bit like Norman Wisdom, not so many jokes. I was a very physical comic. And that’s where it all started.”
Bradley Walsh has been gracing our televisions for more than 20 years as a comedian, actor, and presenter. His impressive acting portfolio includes stints as Danny Baldwin on ITV’s ‘Coronation Street‘, DS Ronnie Brooks in ‘Law and Order: UK’ and taking on the role of Graham O’Brien in ‘Doctor Who‘ aired on BBC One, reports Gloucestershire Live.
In 2009, Bradley took the reins as host of ITV’s quiz phenomenon ‘The Chase’, marking a strategic shift in his professional path. Walsh detailed how he snagged the opportunity to host The Chase after popping into ITV studios to enquire about presenting jobs.
While reminiscing during a conversation with the former head of daytime TV, she mentioned an upcoming quiz show concept, prompting Bradley’s feedback. Recounting their discussion, Bradley shared: “I took it away and I said ‘Yes, this can work, this will work’ and she said, ‘Okay, well we’re going to make a pilot’ and I said, ‘I’ll do it for you’ and she said, ‘Yeah, but it’s only an office run-through’ and I said, ‘I’ll do it for you, don’t worry’.”
During an appearance on the Tommy Tiernan show last year, he remembered kick-starting the pilot and devising the monikers for The Chasers. Fast forward nearly 16 years, Bradley’s enthusiasm for The Chase hasn’t waned, and he has no intention of quitting anytime soon.
In conversation with the Daily Mail, he mused about his tenure: “Until people say they’ve had enough and start switching off, I’ll do it. We’ve had such an extraordinary time together. It’s the best job in the world.”
Coronation Street fans spotted one star’s fuming face as the ITV soap lost out in the Best Episode category at the British Soap Awards this evening
20:55, 05 Jun 2025Updated 20:55, 05 Jun 2025
Coronation Street fans spotted Mason star Luca’s fuming face(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street star Luca Toolan appeared ‘fuming’ as the ITV soap lost out in the Best Single Episode award category at the British Soap Awards tonight. Luca played Mason Radcliffe on the soap before his character was killed off.
Mason died in tragic scenes, where he was stabbed by his brother as the soap tried to raise awareness of knife crime. In the harrowing scenes, which aired earlier this year, Mason lost his life in a fight with his siblings.
Speaking at the time of his exit storyline, he said: “Of course when I first heard there was a mixture of emotions because I was sad that Mason was going to die and that means I would be leaving, but equally I was really excited and honoured to be part of this storyline because it’s an incredibly important issue that needs to be tackled. I feel so privileged to have had this opportunity to start my professional career at Coronation Street and what a great time I’ve had.”
He added: “It was exhausting to film but amazing. I was so focused and a storyline like this is what you crave as an actor. I love the long days and working my butt off and even filming outside in the cold.
Luca died in heartbreaking scenes(Image: ITV)
“Every single day I would wake up and be absolutely buzzing to go to work. The full crew were so supportive and created an environment that you could put yourself in that emotional headspace and get on with it. It was an amazing experience.”
The Best Single Episode award went to EastEnders for the episode about Phil’s Psychosis: The Mitchells In 1985. Other episodes nominated in that award included Mason’s Death, April’s Life on the Streets and Hollyoaks‘ Time Jump.
Fans on Twitter noticed Luca’s face, with one writing: “All of the other nominees when they don’t get the award…#britishsoapawards,” as another added: “they always look so p***ed off when they don’t win.” The fan then replied: “Mason from Corrie looked p***** off.”
EastEnders went on to win(Image: ITV)
Mason star Luca also took to social media to comment on the disrupted opening, where he wrote a sarcastic message which read: “Oh no what a shame now nobody can see me and all of Corrie win all the awards.”
Mason’s final storyline was also nominated in the Scene of the Year award alongside EastEnders at 40: Angie Watts’ Shock Return, Amy’s Deathly Plunge Reveals a Grisly Secret in Emmerdale and Mercedes Confronts Her Mortality in Hollyoaks. The award eventually went to EastEnders for the surprise return of Angie Watts.
Speaking about his future, Luca said he has big plans for what lies ahead. I love acting so much and I really hope I’ll continue doing it. I’ve seriously learned so much from Corrie and I’m so grateful to everyone involved there. As for my future, I’m not sure what it holds but the saying I like to say is: ‘I’m aiming for the stars and if I miss, I’ll hit the moon.'”
Samantha Giles is making a return to Emmerdale after two years awayCredit: ITV
But fans will have to soak up every minute of her scenes, as she won’t be back for long.
Bernice is back in the Dales for Gabby and Vinny’s wedding and filming is due to start in a couple of weeks.
A source said: “Everything is being kept very hush hush but of course Bernice’s return is a big deal as one of the soap’s most loved characters.
“And Samantha being back among the cast is a real win too, as everyone loves working with her.”
Samantha first began on Emmerdale in November 1998 until she left in April 2002.
But she was back again for two further stints, once in 2004 and then again in 2023.
She left two years ago to pursue other opportunities, including a theatre production of The Syndicate.
During an interview at the time Samatha, was asked if she’d return to Emmerdale.
She replied: “I don’t feel I’d want to go back to Emmerdale at the moment.
“I’m enjoying doing other things, and the show changes.
Horrifying moment Emmerdale’s April comes face to face with man who committed disgusting act on her while homeless
“I haven’t had a chance to see what’s going on with the show, so I don’t know whether Bernice would fit into it at the moment.
“Who knows? They might not want the character to come back.
“I don’t think they’ve killed her or anything – they could still do that.
“It’s something that’s there for the future possibly, or not.
“Never say never is what I’m saying.
“For now, I’m enjoying doing lots of different things.”
DOUGRAY PLAYS IT SCHOOL
DOUGRAY SCOTT has been confirmed as the leading man in new BBC drama Crookhaven.
In the series – based on the book of the same name by JJ Arcanjo – the Vigil actor plays Caspian Lockett, the headmaster of a school for young criminals.
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Dougray Scott has been confirmed as the leading man in new BBC drama CrookhavenCredit: Getty
Adolescence star Amari Bacchus will lead the cast of weird and wonderful schoolkids, known as Crooklings, who are trained to use their skills to be a force for good when they are eventually released into the world.
Industry actress Claire Forlani will play Lockett’s wife Carmen, and will be joined on screen by Slow Horses’ Naomi Wirthner and The Pembrokeshire Murders’ Keith Allen.
The show is expected to make its debut on BBC iPlayer early next year.
Bizbit
NOEL EDMONDS quit the UK in 2018 – but now he is back, for an ITV special all about his relocation to New Zealand.
Cameras followed the radio and TV presenter on his move to a rural town to start up a hospitality business.
Noel Edmonds’ Kiwi Adventure airs from June 20.
HOLLY TO RETURN? YOU BET!
STEPHEN MULHERN will be joined by a very familiar face as You Bet! travels up and down the country.
Holly Willoughby, who quit as co-host due to scheduling conflicts, will return as a celebrity guest.
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Holly Willoughby will return to You Bet! with Stephen Mulhern as a celebrity guestCredit: ITV
She will be joined by Alison Hammond, Rob Beckett, Judi Love, Aj Odudu, Josh Widdicombe and Josie Gibson for the ITV show’s upcoming second series.
Babatunde Aleshe, Alesha Dixon, Danny Jones, Alex Brooker, Nick Mohammed and soap brothers Adam and Ryan Thomas will also compete.
Stephen said: “I’m thrilled that You Bet! is back – and this time we’re hitting the road.
“Each week I’ll be joined by a top celeb panel as our challengers take on some brilliantly bonkers and amazing challenges.”
FANTASY WOLVES GoT REAL
MOST Game Of Thrones fans will have assumed dire wolves were just mythical creatures when they appeared as pets on the HBO fantasy series.
But the animals are real and were extinct – until now.
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Sophie Turner in Game of ThronesCredit: Rex
Boffins at US biosciences company Colossal Bioscience used 73,000-year-old DNA to bring the beasts back to life last year.
And nobody was more surprised than GoT star Sophie Turner.
Speaking with Colossal’s CEO Ben Lamm, the actress, who played Sansa , joked: “I thought they weren’t real, so when are the dragons coming?”
The male wolves, named Romulus and Remus, are growing bigger by the day and are about to get company.
Ben added: “We’re about to introduce the girl, Khaleesi, into the pack.
Bizbit
BRADLEY WALSH will be back with his quiz expert chums with Beat The Chasers returning for two more series.
Season seven of The Chase spin-off is currently under way, while the eighth is due to be recorded this autumn.
ITV is expected to air the two new runs from next year.
MORE IN STORE FOR NICK
NICK FROST might be having some awkward conversations on the set of the new Harry Potter TV show if he bumps into JK Rowling.
The comedian will play Hagrid in the HBO adaptation, but later this month he will also take centre stage in a new comedy that is unlikely to appeal to JK, who is outspoken about her views on trans issues.
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Nick Frost is starring in six-parter TransactionCredit: ITV
Nick will star in six-parter Transaction, airing weekly from June 24 on ITV2 then available on ITVX.
As store manager Simon, Nick appears alongside Liv played by Jordan Grey, who is described as “a transgender egomaniac” working the night shift in a supermarket.
I exclusively revealed last year that Shaun Of The Dead star Nick would be making the show for ITV alongside Jordan who found fame as a contestant on The Voice in 2016.
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme –Sun Club.
Bobby Knutt’s jumper went under the hammer for a good cause years after the the actor died in 2017
A colourful pullover late Benidorm star Bobby Knutt wore on the ITV show sold for £487 at auction(Image: Jam Press/Derren Litten)
A colourful jumper worn by late Benidorm star Bobby Knutt has sold for nearly £500 at auction eight years after the actor’s sudden death. The pullover, which featured in the hit ITV sitcom, fetched £487 as part of a special costume auction organised by Benidorm creator Derren Litten.
The sale saw several fan-favourite pieces from the show go under the hammer, with proceeds going towards medical treatment for a close friend of Litten’s. Bobby Knutt starred as cheeky pensioner Eddie Dawson between series eight and ten of the popular comedy, which aired from 2007 to 2018. Benidorm became a cult favourite with British audiences thanks to its outrageous humour and funny depictions of holiday chaos at the fictional Solana resort.
A colourful pullover late Benidorm star Bobby Knutt wore on the ITV show sold for £487 at auction(Image: Jam Press/Derren Litten)
Fans also snapped up other memorabilia from the show, including the Solana hotel-branded staff tabard, which sold for £422. A darts shirt worn by Johnny Vegas as Geoff ‘The Oracle’ Maltby sparked a bidding frenzy, reaching over £1,000 before being withdrawn.
Darren explained: “Sadly it was withdrawn as someone was bidding and retracting bids 30 or 40 times a day which, although I don’t understand eBay, is a method of bumping other bidders off the auction item. I will have to find another method of auctioning it. The vast majority sold to very happy buyers.”
The auction, which ran from May 25 to June 2, was set up to raise funds for Litten’s friend Leonard, who is battling Facial Fibrous Dysplasia. This is a rare and serious condition that can lead to blindness and severe disfigurement if left untreated.
Fans and castmates were shocked when they received the news that Bobby Knutt had died suddenly from heart failure in 2017 at the age of 71 while on holiday in France. At the time, Benidorm creator Derren Litten tweeted: “Very sad Benidorm news guys. The wonderful Bobby Knutt has passed away suddenly aged 71. Sending our Beni love to his family.”
Bobby Knutt played cheeky pensioner Eddie Dawson on the sitcom(Image: Jam Press/Derren Litten)
Co-star Tony Maudsley, who played Kenneth in the series, added: “Take a bow Grandad Dawson. Your Benidorm family will miss you. RIP Bobby Knutt x.”
Knutt’s had a long and successful career, as he found fame early in life on The Comedians and went on to bag roles in Emmerdale, Coronation Street, and Last of the Summer Wine. In Emmerdale he played Albert Dingle for a decade, and later appeared in Corrie as garage boss Ron Sykes.
Off-screen he was also known for stage work, a stint doing comedy shows on cruise ships, and his role as the voice of Gaffer in the Tetley Tea adverts.
After his death, it was revealed that Knutt left much of his £350,000 estate to friends and his sister, while his four children received little or no inheritance. He asked to be buried with his third wife Donna Hartley-Wass, a former Olympian and champion bodybuilder who passed away in 2013.
Coronation Street fans may want to get the tissues next week, as the soap are set to air the final goodbye for PC Craig Tinker – but one resident fails to attend
00:01, 03 Jun 2025Updated 00:07, 03 Jun 2025
There’s emotional scenes in Coronation Street this week as residents gather for Craig Tinker’s funeral (Image: ITV )
It’s set to be an emotional week in Coronation Street next week as Craig Tinker gets the send off he deserves after being brutally killed. However, things are thrown into chaos when one resident fails to show up.
We’ll also see Betsy sneakily visit someone in prison, and a shock arrest for another unlikely resident.
The funeral day starts off in panic when Sarah’s concerned to discover that Kit’s already left for the day.Lisa is then forced to step in and make a heartfelt speech at the funeral after he’s still no where to be seen. But where is Kit?
It’s evident he has a lot on his mind as absence comes after he finds Brody injured in an alley with a broken bottle of whisky next to him.
Kit finds Brody injured in an alley
It’s also a tough week for Lisa – as Carla confides in Betsy that she’s worried for her partner. However, Betsy only adds to the worry as Lisa soon catches her daughter snooping through some of her old files.
If the emotions of the weeks on goings weren’t enough for Lisa, she’s set for another shock when she learns her daughter has lied about her whereabouts.
Unbeknownst to Lisa, Betsy shows best friend Lauren a picture on her phone of the letter she found containing information on her mum, Becky, and is intent on getting answers.
Lisa finds Betsy snooping through her files
She then seeks support from Lauren, who accompanies her to the prison visiting room where she prepares to meet Logan, the villainous brother of Mason and Matty Radcliffe. Betsy tells him she’s here to find out what really happened to Becky. But will Logan’s return come with the answers she needs?
However, it’s not long before Steve lets slip to Lisa and Carla that Betsy has lied about her whereabouts and in fact ordered a cab to Highfield Prison. How will Lisa and Carla react?
Betsy’s not the only one in trouble – as Maria’s shock altercation leaves her in trouble with the police.
During the Platts barbeque, Maria demands Lou empties her pockets after assuming she’s stolen money from Shona. But are Maria’s accusations correct?
Maria is arrested on suspicion of ABH(Image: ITV )
The drama later escalates when Lou is found on the living room floor with a broken coffee table – with Maria standing over her.
The police quickly arrive and tell Maria they’re arresting her on suspicion of ABH. But did she do it?
Elsewhere, there could be more upset for Todd after saying goodbye to his mother Eileen last week. He’s left gutted when Theo cancels their date – could their relationship be on the rocks?
EastEnders icon Diane Parish took to social media over the weekend to share a fun-fuelled video of highlights from the 2025 British Soap Awards – which did not give away any of the winners
Diane Parish shared behind-the-scenes content from the British Soap Awards 2025(Image: @officialdianeparish/Instagram)
Diane Parish was in a celebratory mood on Saturday night as she joined her EastEnders castmates and headed to Hackney for the British Soap Awards 2025. The 55-year-old soap icon, famous for playing Denise Fox on the BBC show since 2006, had been on the long list for one of the show categories.
The star had been initially nominated for the Best Leading Performer gong, but did not advance to the second round of nominations for the prestigious award. Instead, EastEnders co-stars Lacey Turner and Kellie Bright were nominated for the gong alongside Emmerdale stars Beth Cordingly and Eden Taylor-Draper.
Diane gave fans a glimpse behind the scenes(Image: @officialdianeparish/Instagram)
With this in mind, Diane took to social media on Sunday to share her own highlights from the night, which did not give anything away. She shared a two-and-a-half-minute-long video from the celebrations, which included footage of her partying with fellow soap stars before, during and after the event.
Uploading the footage to her main grid, Diane wrote: “NO SPOILERS for those who don’t wanna know. But I am sooooo PROUD of everyone who works on @bbceastenders What a night!”
Diane, who plays Denise looked sensational(Image: @officialdianeparish/Instagram)
Clips showed her laughing and chatting with co-stars, encouraging members of the public in the live audience to cheer, spotlighting Anita Dobson in the crowd, and partying at the after party. Soap stars were thrown into a panic at the party, however, as the after-show venue was hit by a bomb hoax.
The event was held at London’s Hackney Town Hall after the main awards. But attendees were suddenly asked to leave the venue shortly before 1am after the event had reportedly received a bomb threat.
“We all got evacuated just before 1am. No reason was given at first and security came round and told us we had to leave immediately,” a source told The Mirror – recounting the nerves shredding experience.
She was seen posing with her co-stars(Image: @officialdianeparish/Instagram)
“As we all waited in the street outside, security told us there had been a bomb threat. We weren’t allowed back in the building so people started making their way home.”
In a video shared with The Mirror, some of TV’s biggest soap stars can be seen waiting outside the venue as more evacuate – with the likes of EastEnders’ Tameka Empson and former Hollyoaks star Emmett J Scanlan among them.
A show source also told The Mirror: “Owing to a security alert after the recording of the awards, it was necessary to evacuate the after party venue. Everyone was cleared from the building safely.”
Meanwhile, fans of soaps took to social media to slam ITV for failing to broadcast the event live – with many annoyed that they would have to wait until Thursday before being able to see who would take to the stage.
Taking to X to slam the delay in broadcast, one fan raged: “It’s ridiculous that the British Soap Awards isn’t live… there’s more hype for the soap stars arriving outside for something not even airing on tv for another week than there is the Britain’s Got Talent final… sort it out for next year please @itv.”
The British Soap Awards 2025 will be broadcast via ITV1 and ITVX on Thursday 5 June 2025 at 8pm.
EastEnders and Emmerdale were the joint shows to beat at the 2025 British Soap Awards as both had an impressive 13 nominations over 12 categories each – but the BBC soap proved triumphant on the night
21:11, 31 May 2025Updated 22:57, 31 May 2025
The full winners list of the British Soap Awards 2025 has been unveiled(Image: PA)
EastEnders were the big winners at tonight’s British Soap Awards, taking away the top gong. Named Best British Soap, they beat Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks to the coveted accolade.
Walking away with eight awards in total, Steve McFadden picked up Best Dramatic Performance and Best Single Episode for Phil Mitchell’s psychosis. It comes in the soap’s 40th anniversary year.
Hollyoaks got three awards, Emmerdale got two and Coronation Street walked away with one – the Outstanding Achievement Award to David Neilson, who has played Roy Cropper for 30 years. The biggest names in soapland dazzled on the glitter carpet – with Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter and Corrie favourite Tina O’Brien both looking sensational in the same dress, a sparkly Oh Polly number.
EastEnders icons Gillian Taylforth and Anita Dobson were in attendance at the awards(Image: PA)
Speaking before she was presented with the scene of the year award, EastEnders legend Anita Dobson said: “It was just perfect.” And asked if she could return again, she said: “I don’t think so, although I should say never say never, it would have to be something extra special.”
Gillian Taylforth, who plays Kathy Beale, added: “It was just brilliant, although none of us knew that she was coming back! We’ll need Ange back if anything ever happened to Kathy, not that I want it too.”
Hosted by Jane McDonald, telly favourites Sir David Jason and Larry Lamb presented awards at London’s Hackney Empire.
The awards were back after being cancelled last year. Watch the British Soap Awards 2025 on Thursday 5 June via ITV1 and ITVX at 8pm.
The British Soap Awards 2025 winners list in full;
BEST BRITISH SOAP
EastEnders
BEST LEADING PERFORMER
EastEnders: Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater)
VILLAIN OF THE YEAR
EastEnders: Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar)
BEST COMEDY PERFORMANCE
Coronation Street: Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt)
BEST FAMILY
Hollyoaks: The Osbornes
BEST DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE
EastEnders: Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell)
BEST SINGLE EPISODE
EastEnders: Phil’s Psychosis: The Mitchells In 1985
Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon has spoken out on the departures of her fellow cast members Sue Cleaver and Helen Worth, admitting it’s the ‘end of an era’
Coronation Street
Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon has confessed that the soap’s recent significant change marks “the end of an era”.
With nearly 65 years of captivating audiences, Coronation Street has solidified its place as a British television institution, having drawn in over 20 million viewers per episode during its peak.
Two of the show’s longest-serving and most beloved stars, Helen Worth and Sue Cleaver, have been instrumental in its enduring success, boasting an impressive combined 75 years on the iconic cobbles.
In a poignant turn of events, both soap legends have decided to bid farewell to Coronation Street within months of each other. Helen, 74, was the first to announce her departure last June, expressing her gratitude for working alongside “fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew”.
Samia is celebrating her 25th year on the soap(Image: Getty Images)
She reflected: “The past 50 years have flown by and I don’t think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.”
Following Helen’s emotional Christmas Day exit, Sue Cleaver joined her in leaving the show to explore new projects. A fan favourite since her debut, Sue’s departure has been deeply felt, reports Belfast Live.
Sue’s final moments on the cobbles will air next week(Image: ITV)
In an interview with Prima magazine, their former co-star Samia Longchambon shared her thoughts on the recent goodbyes: “Saying goodbye to Helen Worth (Gail Platt) after her 50 years was really emotional. But I completely agree with her that she deserves a rest now.”
Meanwhile, she noted that the exit of Sue marked a poignant moment as they had both started on the show in the same month.
She expressed: “It was weird saying bye to Sue (Cleaver, who played Eileen Grimshaw), too, because we actually joined the same month and her dressing room was next door to mine, and then Mikey North moved into it.”
Helen called time on her Corrie career last year after a stunning 50 years(Image: Getty Images)
Acknowledging the departure of two key players, she conceded that it represented a significant turning point for the soap: “So it did actually make me think, ‘God, that’s the end of an era’.”
The much-anticipated final appearances of Eileen on the beloved programme will broadcast next week, culminating after distressing events including the loss of her sister, Julie Carp (portrayed by Katy Cavanagh). Eileen decides to start anew, accepting Jason’s invitation to settle in Thailand with him and invest in his business endeavor.
Catch the latest drama in Coronation Street as it continues on ITV tomorrow night (May 30) at 8pm.
Ahead of the show’s historic crossover episode with Emmerdale, a Coronation Street cast member is said to have signed a new contract with the ITV soap to take them into next year
A Coronation Street star is said to have signed a new contract
A Coronation Street cast member has reportedly signed a new contract which will see them remain on the show into next year. It’s been teased that it could mean they end up appearing in the crossover episode with Emmerdale.
Claire Sweeney, 54, has already been on the ITV soap for two years. The actor made her on-screen debut as Cassie Plummer in 2023, with the character introduced as the estranged mother of Tyrone Dobbs (played by Alan Halsall) and the daughter of Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman). It’s now been reported that the former Brookside star recently signed a contract for Corrie to take her into next year. A source told the Sun: “Claire loves being on Corrie – it’s a dream job, so she was delighted to sign a new deal.”
Claire Sweeney (left), pictured with co-star Simon Gregson (right), has reportedly signed a new contract to appear on Coronation Street into next year(Image: ITV)
The source further commented: “With the big Emmerdale crossover coming in 2026, there’s also a hope that she’ll be in that too.” They added: “It’s a great opportunity to be part of soap history so who wouldn’t want to be involved?”
ITV announced the crossover episode earlier this month. It was revealed that the “unprecedented, one-off special episode” will launch its upcoming “power hour” of soaps, with the new schedule beginning in January next year.
The broadcaster said that, for the first time, the hour-long episode will see characters from both Corrie and Emmerdale come together in a “celebration of the soap genre”. It’s been described as a “mash-up” of the two communities.
ITV confirmed that the episode will be “self-contained”. It however teased that the crossover will have “repercussions” for characters and see them “linked forever as familiar faces depart and exciting new characters arrive into both soaps”.
It was also announced at the time that as an “extra treat” for fans, viewers will be invited to choose which two characters, one from each soap, they would like to see meet and interact in a scene. Details of the vote are yet to be shared.
The news came after it had previously been announced prior that from January next year the air time of Corrie and Emmerdale will be reduced. Fans will get a combined total of five hours a week rather than the current six hours per week.
The news comes ahead of the ITV soap’s crossover episode with Emmerdale, which is set to air next year(Image: ITV)
The “soaps power hour” will see Emmerdale broadcast from 8pm to 8.30pm each day between Monday to Friday. Whilst Corrie will then air from 8.30pm to 9pm. Episodes will still be released at 7am on ITVX, before transmission that evening.
ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo had said in a statement: “The new commissioning pattern is viewer-led. We already give more choice than ever to viewers on how they watch us through ITVX and we want to present their favourite soap to them, in the most digestible way.
“In a world where there is so much competition for viewers’ time and attention, and viewing habits continue to change, we believe this is the right amount of episodes that fans can fit into their viewing schedule, to keep up to date with the shows. Research insights also show us that soap viewers are increasingly looking to the soaps for their pacey storytelling. Streaming-friendly, 30 minute episodes better provide the opportunity to meet viewer expectations for storyline pace, pay-off and resolution.
“Whilst viewing is growing on ITVX, we know a significant proportion of our soaps’ audience still watch us via the schedule. This new pattern is in the DNA of the soap genre – nobody else does 30 minute drama this successfully. It creates a soap power hour that’s consistent, and easy to find in the linear schedule, for the UK’s biggest soaps.”
Kevin added: “This new commissioning pattern will mean five hours of soaps a week, rather than the current six. We are conscious this will have an impact for the people who work on the soaps team. We will support our colleagues in ITV Studios as they work through these changes, and will do what we can to mitigate the impact on our people.
“These changes are motivated by doing what we believe is best for the continuing success of these important programmes in the long term. They also create headroom in the overall programme budget for investment in programming that can help ITV grow reach in a very very competitive market.”
Two mainstays of the Loose Women panel could go head-to-head on iconic reality show Strictly Come Dancing as one of the stars joked that she’s been “practising my splits”
Two Loose Women stars could be rivals for a new role(Image: Jo Hale/Redferns via Getty Images)
Loose Women’s Brenda Edwards has revealed that she and fellow panellist Coleen Nolan are both eager to strut their stuff on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The 56-year-old, who is currently dazzling audiences in the West End production of Chicago alongside former Strictly pro Janette Manrara, confessed she’s been doing all she can to land a spot on the dance competition. “I’ve asked her to put in a good word for me,” Brenda divulged about her conversations with Janette, who now hosts the show’s spin-off.
She added: “Don’t worry, I’m pushing all avenues. If I get on Strictly, I’ll have to start practising my splits. I want to do it!
“It’s between Coleen Nolan and me, because she really wants to go on it also.” In an interview with Bella Magazine, Brenda expressed her ambition to reach the final, something her Loose Women colleagues haven’t achieved yet.
Brenda Edwards has expressed a desire to appear on Strictly(Image: Getty Images)
Coleen, 60, has also shared her aspirations to hit the dance floor and vie for the coveted Glitterball trophy, reports Belfast Live. On Loose Women, she campaigned: “Vote me to go in!
“There’d be a lot of sequins involved, let me tell you.” She has also told The Mirror: “I’ve never done Strictly which devastates me.
“Since that show started, I’ve always wanted to do Strictly and so many Loose Women have done it but they never, ever ask me.” Among the Loose Women stars who have taken the plunge on Strictly’s dance floor are Ruth Langsford, Judi Love, and Kaye Adams.
Coleen Nolan is no stranger to reality TV competition, having won Celebrity Big Brother back in 2017(Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty Images)
Kaye, 62, was the first celebrity to be voted off the show in 2022, after partnering with Kai Widdrington. In 2017, Ruth, 65, secured ninth place after her stint with Anton Du Beke, while Judi, 44, was the fifth star to be eliminated in 2021, alongside her partner Graziano Di Prima.
The line-up of celebrities for the forthcoming series remains under wraps, but rumoured participants include Tom Parker Bowles, son of Queen Camilla, telly favourite Stacey Solomon, former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan, and ex-Made In Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo. What the BBC has confirmed is the roster of professional dancers.
Reigning champion Dianne Buswell will returning to the dance floor are, as will Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones and Nikita Kuzmin.
Strictly winner Dianne Buswell will return(Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)
Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Karen Hauer, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will also feature once more.
Earlier this year, the BBC also revealed that two new professional dancers will be introduced closer to the show’s return. The 2025 series is expected to kick off in September, though an official date is still to be confirmed.
Soap star marks major milestone as Maria Connor and shares what has kept her on the show so long
00:01, 28 May 2025Updated 00:01, 28 May 2025
Samia Longchambon says playing Maris for so long has been a “surprise”(Image: Courtesy of ‘Prima UK / Nicky Johnston’ )
Samia Longchambon says she’s proud to have played Coronation Street “strong woman” Maria for 25 years – and even answers to her character name now. She’s been a Weatherfield staple playing the unlucky-in-love hairdresser since she was 17.
Only coming in on a three-month contract, Samia, 42, looks back at her “wild times” as Maria and what’s kept her on the ITV soap so long. “If someone had said at the start that I’d be around this long, I would have laughed,” she said. “I thought maybe I’ll be a jobbing actress, or go to university, or become a director when I’m older.
Samia Longchambon looks back at her 25 years playing Maria on Corrie in Prima magazine(Image: Courtesy of ‘Prima UK / Nicky Johnston’ )
“Playing Maria for 25 years is a surprise, but I think Corrie can be quite addictive once you get here. The people make it such a nice atmosphere to be a part of.”
Samia says she’s played Maria for so long she’s taken on the moniker too. “Maria’s my second name now,” she laughed. “I literally answer to ‘Maria’ as easily as I do to my own name. I get it – we look alike, after all! And she’s trying to be a good mum, as am I.”
But she says that’s where she hopes their similarities end. “She’s had quite a colourful past!” explains Samia. “Maria has had some wild times over the years. Now she seems to have settled down a bit with Gary. I don’t know if that’s going to be forever, because you just never know in Corrie.
Samia says she never expected to stay so long on the cobbles(Image: Courtesy of ‘Prima UK / Nicky Johnston’ )
“I feel like I’m quite proud of her, how she’s overcome some massive obstacles in her life, and she still seems to have kept her sanity throughout it all. I’m not sure I would have been able to do that. I think she’s one of Corrie’s ‘strong women’ now.”
“It wasn’t love at first skate for me and Sylvain,” she said. “I was too busy learning to move around on the ice to be thinking about anything like that! Things between us didn’t start until months after we first met.”
Samia with husband Sylvain, daughter Freya and son Yves(Image: Instagram)
Losing her dad in 2009, who had French as his second language, Samia feels he had a hand in her finding love.
“I think my dad sent Sylvain to me,” she explained to Prima magazine. “He loved France, and his sister Samia, who I’m named after, lives about an hour away from where Sylvain grew up in Lyon. Once we got to know each other, I was like, ‘Oh, this is weird.’ There were so many common threads with him that I was like, ‘I feel like my dad just sent you.’”
Continuing her skating now, Samia says she’s much better at it now the pressure is off. And would be up for another reality show to push her out of her comfort zone.
“When it comes to other TV shows, I say ‘never say never’ to anything,” she said. “I’ve spent a lot of my life being scared because of anxiety. A challenge is always good.”
Samia joined Corrie when she was just 17 and starred with soap icons Liz Dawn and Alan Halsall(Image: Granada Television)
Samia has been open about her struggles with anxiety – sharing her story with her followers. But says yoga and meditation have helped her cope better. She explained: “I can ruminate over things for a long time, and have it ruin weeks of my life, to the point where I can’t eat because of anxiety – so when it’s bad, I do what I can to stay busy. I did a CBT [cognitive behavioural therapy] course, which also helped. Sometimes, it does get the better of you, but you just have to accept it and think, ‘This too shall pass.’”
Being in the public eye has opened Samia up to some negative comments, and says they sometimes get the better of her. “I’ve had to deal with loads of trolling over the years, it’s usually when Maria’s caught up in something that’s not great and people forget that I’m not this character! It’s not nice – this industry can be hard if you’re not thick-skinned, and I’m not,” said the actress.
Samia is the cover interview in the latest Prima magazine
“So I have to discipline myself with social media – reading mean comments can feel like picking a scab; you don’t want to read it, but then you do end up reading it, and it ruins your day. Historically, there’s been a couple of times I have responded to trolls. Weirdly, though, I find that most people back down and apologise when you call them out. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that,’ they might say. And I’ll think, ‘Well, I’m a human with feelings, and it hurts – but it’s fine, let’s move on.’”
The July 2025 issue of Prima is now on sale or read here.
Coronation Street is lining up big moments next week including a double exit for two fan favourites, a new love interest for Jason Grimshaw who is a familiar face and there’s a big return
00:01, 27 May 2025Updated 00:02, 27 May 2025
There’s huge scenes ahead next week on Coronation Street including a double exit(Image: ITV)
There’s huge scenes ahead next week on Coronation Street including a double exit, that could lead to a further departure, as well as some discoveries.
We will also see a comeback for one resident, a forbidden kiss and some big decisions to be made. First up next week it’s the big exit for Eileen Grimshaw, as actress Sue Cleaver bows out after 25 years.
Her final episodes on the ITV soap air next week as she decides to leave Weatherfield. She’s offered a great opportunity by her returning son Jason Grimshaw, played by Ryan Thomas, with him also set to leave again.
But will Eileen’s partner George Shuttleworth leave with them, or will they split for good? Amid Eileen still facing accusations over her sister Julie Carp’s recent death, an insurance scam mentioned in an article leaves her and George concerned.
Someone’s behind the article and they’re keen to find out who it was. Later on Jason suggests to his mother that she moves away with him to Thailand to be his business partner but what will she say?
We will also see a comeback for one resident, a forbidden kiss and some big decisions(Image: ITV)
She’s tempted but tells Jason George would never move to Thailand, while George soon informs her he’s prepared to move to Thailand and he’s booked them a holiday to test it out. A comment from Theo Silverton soon leaves Eileen making a decision, as George fears for his relationship.
An update from the police reveals the case into Julie’s death is closed, and with that she decides she’s going to take Jason up on his offer, invest in his bar and move to Thailand. With that Eileen says her goodbyes and leaves Weatherfield, but will George be joining her?
Before Jason goes, he manages to squeeze in a bit of romance and it’s with a familiar face. He chats up Danielle unaware she’s the wife of Theo, who Jason’s brother Todd is now seeing. When Danielle realises who Jason is she’s shocked, but will she spill the beans and what will she do next?
There’s trouble with Carl Webster next week too, and soon Tracy Barlow is flirting with him. Carl is continuing his dodgy dealings with Fiona, while their meeting leaves Abi Franklin clearly jealous despite her being married to Carl’s brother Kevin Webster.
Coronation Street is lining up big moments next week(Image: ITV)
Carl is soon flirting with Tracy once more and is trying to rile up Abi, who decides to issue Tracy a warning. Carl confronts her and accuses her of fancying him. Abi denies it and threatens to tell Kevin if he doesn’t back off, but she’s shocked when he leans in for a kiss – so how will she respond?
There’s also a return next week as Dylan Wilson is released from the STC. With that he’s making threats to former inmate Brody Michaelis, telling him he needs to watch out before following him to the ginnel.
When Brody starts on Betsy Swain, Dylan races to her rescue and it’s not long before things get heated. Elsewhere, Tim Metcalfe secretly plots a fostering meeting and as a social worker arrives, his wife Sally Metcalfe is stunned to realise what is going on.
Soon Sally is venting to Glenda Shuttleworth, revealing her worries that she and Tim are too old to foster. Finally next week Debbie Webster snaps when she gets into trouble at the shop amid her split from Ronnie Bailey. But when she sees him with Leanne Battersby later on she’s clearly hurt.
There has been speculation that one Coronation Street legend could make their return to the show for their son’s funeral
14:06, 26 May 2025Updated 14:25, 26 May 2025
Corrie legend’s future on ITV soap confirmed after on-screen son’s tragic murder(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street star Lisa George, who is best known as Beth Tinker on the long-running soap, left the show last year but fans have been speculating on her possible return for her on-screen son Craig’s (played by Colson Smith ) funeral. Last year, Lisa said: “As I filmed it I knew Beth was leaving and it was my final scene on the cobbles.
“Halfway through, when he called the cab to stop, and they got out I actually got really, quite tearful. I cried afterwards because it’s been this huge part of my life for such a long time.” Meanwhile, almost a year later, Beth’s police officer son died in brutal scenes on the ITV soap after a vicious attack at the hands of villain Mick Michaelis in the previous episode. Mick beat innocent Craig with a bat before leaving him for dead.
Fans believe Lisa could be reprising her role but sources claimed the funeral will be taking place off screen, so Lisa wouldn’t be back on the show.
“Craig’s funeral will take place away from Weatherfield with Beth very much involved – but she won’t be back on screen,” they said to The Sun. “It will all make sense for the story and there’s a very touching goodbye to Craig from his friends in the community instead.”
The Mirror have reached out to ITV for comment. Meanwhile, after Craig was rushed to the hospital, his nearest and dearest had been hopeful that he would survive despite his horrific injuries, including swelling on the brain following the brutal attack.
Meanwhile, her on-screen son Craig Tinker died after a brutal attack(Image: ITV/Coronation Street)
Speaking to Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on This Morning, he went on to add: “When you get told you’re leaving a show, the one thing you ask is ‘Am I killed and how do I go?’ I wanted to be killed.
“I think that really was the right thing. I’ve been in that building since I was 12 years old. I know how it works; you pick up on vibes, you pick up on things.
“I told Jack and Ben, tonight’s the night, will you be there for me? I went up to the boss, and she said, ‘This isn’t going to be an easy conversation.’ I said, ‘Let’s get it out of the way.'”
Speaking about his meeting with Kate, he said: “Getting told is hard, hearing the words – I tried really hard not to put the words into her mouth. As soon as I knew, I was at peace with what was going on.”
Despite asking to be killed off from the soap, Colson admitted he had no idea how brutal it would be.
Coronation Street star Colson Smith has announced his first job since being axed from the ITV soap just days after his onscreen death was aired
22:42, 23 May 2025Updated 22:58, 23 May 2025
Colson Smith lands first job since Corrie axe (Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
It was sad week in Coronation Street this week, as Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) was killed off after a brutal assault in a tear jerking episode. It was announced earlier this year that the star would be leaving the soap – and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight when he left the cobbles for good on Wednesday night.
Colson was axed from the show last year, and just days after his tragic onscreen death, he’s taken to Instagram to announce his new job with BBC Radio Leeds.
Taking to his Instagram to thank followers for all the love this week, Colson, 26, wrote: “Thank you so much for all the love this week! I really appreciate it!”
Colson has landed a role at BBC Radio Leeds(Image: colsonjsmith/instagram)
He then had big news to share with his followers. Alongside a picture of him outside a BBC building, he wrote: “There’s a few exciting things going off!! BUT one thing I can tell you for now, is that I’m joining the team at BBC Radio Leeds this summer!!! Catch ya on the wireless in Yorkshire!!”
Colson is no stranger to speaking to a mic, as he fronts the On The Sofa with Colson, Jack and Ben podcast alongside cast mates and besties, Jack P. Shepherd and Ben Price who play David Platt and Nick Tilsley in the long running ITV soap.
Fans were overjoyed at the news, as they took to the comments to congratulate the star. “Go Colson!” exclaimed one fan, while another excited follower penned: “That’s exciting ekkk!”
The star took to Instagram to share the exciting news (Image: colsonjsmith/instagram)
A third devastated Corrie fan penned: “The last few episodes have been amazing. So sad you’re gone!! Wishing you all the best and look forward to watching your next journey.”
Recalling his meeting with producer Kate Brooks, the star said: “Getting told is hard, hearing the words – I tried really hard not to put the words into her mouth. As soon as I knew, I was at peace with what was going on.” Despite asking to be killed off from the soap, Colson has also revealed he had no idea how brutal it would be.”
Although some actors would be gutted to hear their character was going to be killed off, Colson said if there was a way he wanted to go, that would be it.
“For me to go, I would want to leave. I would want to die, I would want the door to be shut, so then I can kind of know in my head that Corrie has been this, Corrie has done that, and it is now done, and Craig’s journey is over,” he told Ben and Cat.
Coronation Street fans have been mistaking Mikey North, who plays Gary Windass, for his former co-star for 15 years – and he’s yet to correct any of them
16:29, 23 May 2025Updated 17:34, 23 May 2025
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Mikey North has been mistaken for his co-star for years(Image: ITV)
Gary Windass (Mikey North) has been on the cobbles since 2008, but fans still get him mixed up with another Coronation Street star. Mikey was the latest soap star in Kevin and Liz Fletcher’s Off Script podcast, where he spilled all the tea.
Since he’s been in the show so long, Liz was curious to know what Corrie fans call Gary when they see him on the street. “Is it Gary or Windass?” she asked. However, to Liz’s shock, it was neither.
“It’s Chesney,” he laughed – explaining that he gets mistaken for Chesney actor Sam Aston. “It’s followed me around all these years. It’s funny.
“It’s an in-joke at work that my name is Chesney. I guess people who dip in and out who watched it when Chesney was really young, and then tune in years later and see me, they think that Chesney grew up to be me, if that makes sense?”
Mikey revealed he gets called Chesney by fans(Image: Chloe Rivers )
Mickey then went on to reveal how himself and Chesney shared a dressing room at the studio for 15 years. “It’s sort of like they were congregating the gingers,” he laughed.
However, Mickey doesn’t bother to correct fans, as he told the hosts he “just goes along with it” when people ask him how Chesney’s late dog Schmeichel is.
Sam Aston first joined the soap in 2003, five years before Mickey. At the time of joining, he was just 10 years old.
There had been no mention of where he’d gone, and not a single storyline to explain his absence, leaving fans confused. During his return, Gary told Maria he was planning to sell his shop and buy the builder’s yard in an attempt at a fresh start. However, Maria wasn’t convinced that was a good idea.
Things then became worse for the couple when Maria found out Gary had offered Mick a job at the yard. However, .the position didn’t last long, after Gary discovered that Mick had locked his step-son Liam in a cabinet for hours. Mick was then sacked and the pair ended up having a brawl in broad daylight.
Asked which Emmerdale characters he wants to be mixing with, the actor replied: “It’s got to be Cain, hasn’t it?” “A Windass and a Dingle, that would be brilliant,” said Kelvin, to which Mikey laughed: “Windass V Dingle.”
Coronation Street star Colson Smith has revealed there’s already new ventures in the pipeline following his brutal axe from the ITV soap, that saw his character Craig Tinker die
21:30, 21 May 2025Updated 21:49, 21 May 2025
Coronation Street star Colson Smith has revealed there’s already new ventures in the pipeline(Image: Getty Images)
Colson Smith has already lined up his next career move following his Coronation Street exit.
His character Craig Tinker was killed off on Wednesday night in highly emotional scenes. It follows Colson learning from bosses that he had been axed back in October.
But after processing the news and filming his final scenes, the star, who opened up on the “grief” like feelings of his departure, revealed all on what he was up to post-Corrie. While he did not go into detail, he confirmed there was something already in the pipeline.
While he didn’t specify what it was or whether it was TV or something else, he did confirm he was already working on something with other big plans ahead. He spilled: “There are irons in the fire, but I will do the typical showbizzy thing of just teasing.
“Everyone always thinks there’s nothing going on, but there actually is. So you know, I’ve got stuff going on. I’m excited. I’m going through the process still of winding down from having been somewhere for 14 years, but I’m excited to see what’s next, and hopefully I can find somewhere to go to work and have fun.”
Colson Smith has already lined up his next career move (Image: ITV)
On what he hopes to move onto next, Colson fancies himself as a presenter. He explained: “I make no secret that I want to be a presenter, that’s where my love and passion lies at the moment. Ever since starting on the sofa with Jack [P Shepherd] and Ben [Price] and doing bits of TV with the games and Big Brother.
“I enjoy being Colson, and I enjoy telling stories, and I enjoy holding a show and being direct down the lens to camera, but I also enjoy going to work.” Colson does hope to continue acting, but wants a role that isn’t the same as his Corrie alter ego.
He said: “I’m looking forward to playing a character that isn’t Craig like I’m looking forward to getting back into acting and comedy acting, and really being a character and developing something. After 14 years of the same thing, you kind of have a taste for something else.”
Colson, who hosts a podcast with Corrie co-stars Jack P. Shepherd and Ben Price, fancies himself as a presenter(Image: ITV)
Colson shared that while he didn’t necessarily feel like he was grieving for is Corrie character, he did have “grief” in the sense of knowing no other job that comes his way will be the same as his experience on the ITV soap.
He explained: “I feel like I will miss Corrie, like I do miss Corrie. I miss going to work, I miss having a job, and I feel like I’m accepting of nothing will ever replace that.
“I can do anything in the rest of my career, the rest of my life, and I’m fully aware that I will never get what I have got from Coronation Street from anywhere else.
“That’s the thing that I’m going to ponder for. That’s the thing that I’m going to miss. I just know that it won’t be Corrie, it’s that bit. That’s my grief as such is that it’s not Corrie. That’s done, that’s over, that chapter’s shut.”
Coronation Street’s Craig Tinker actor Colson Smith has shared how his pals and co-stars supported him on his final day on set, and after he found out he was leaving the ITV soap
22:00, 21 May 2025Updated 22:00, 21 May 2025
Some of Colson Smith’s Coronation Street co-stars helped him through his “toughest days” after he learned he’d been axed(Image: ITV)
Some of Colson Smith’s Coronation Street co-stars helped him through his “toughest days” after he learned he’d been axed from the show.
Colson learned from bosses back in October that his character Craig Tinker, who he’d played since he was 11 years old, was being killed off. Craig bowed out in horrific scenes on Wednesday night, 14 years after his debut.
Colson revealed he had a lot of time to process the news, but he found it “tough” seeing the shocked reactions of his colleagues. Then as it came to his final day on the famous set, one co-star and pal in particular shared their disbelief that he was leaving with many of his colleagues stunned by the news he had been written out of the show.
Speaking to The Mirror and other press, actor Colson revealed a number of his colleagues were “emotional” as the time came to say goodbye for good, while they were also on hand to support him through his last day.
From getting to film some of his last scenes with his close friends to one soap icon guiding him through some last-minute nerves, a number of his co-stars were there for him during some crucial moments as Colson prepared to bow out of the show that “had been his life”
Coronation Street’s Craig Tinker actor Colson Smith has shared how his pals and co-stars supported him on his final day on set(Image: ITV)
Colson’s mum, dad and sister came to watch him film his final scenes, and “a lot” of cast and crew were left crying over his final day. Praising his friends on the show, he told us: “I’ve been extremely lucky that I have had so many people who I trust and can talk to the entire process about from finding out in October that I was leaving, and I was leaving the show, and what was happening all the way through.
“I knew that my toughest day was going to be the night that I found out in Kate’s office at half past seven, and then my next toughest day was going to be the day that I left. So everything in between kind of merged into one, but I kind of set myself up that week.
“So on the Thursday night, I came back to work at about 8pm and it was a really nice evening. It was warm and security knew that I was coming, and I just sat outside the Rovers on the street for probably about an hour, and just sat on the street, kind of soaked it all in.
“It’s just my way of saying goodbye and thank you to Corrie and everything that it had done for me. Colson’s friend and podcast co-host Ben Price had been off the week of his final episodes, but he headed back to Manchester to be there for him, even visiting the studio the night before Colson’s last day.
Andy Whyment was particularly shocked and emotional about the news(Image: ITV)
“I went back into the car park, Ben was just pulling in and I had a Costco cookie in my mouth. He was like, ‘Where have you got them from?’ and they were in my dressing room. So he came up to get a cookie, and then in my dressing room, he’d seen everything that I bought for the Friday.
“I bought everybody a little Lego Craig Tinker. A little Lego police officer with ginger hair, and I just put a sticker on it that said, ‘PC Tinker will always be there when you need him’, like, ‘I’ll miss you all forever’.
“So then me and Ben spent until about 11 o’clock, dishing all these Lego Craig Tinkers out, hammering them to people’s pigeon holes.” Colson felt ready to face his final day, filming scenes with his close friends.
He said: “My final scenes were full of people who I got along with. I had Andy Whyment in, Joe Duttine and David Nielsen, Jacob Roberts in, so there was so much emotion on set. I was sat in the car park at about ten to seven as Andy Whyment pulled in, and I had Macy Gray’s I Try on in the car, and Andy pulled in in tears.
“He parked his car skew-whiff and I was like you can’t leave your car like that. You’re gonna have to re-park. He just got out, and he was like, ‘I’m sorry, my head’s been a mess, like all night, all day.’ I said to them [all] let’s just get on set and let’s do the job.”
But Kirk Sutherland actor Andy’s emotions continued throughout the day, with him telling Colson of his disbelief over his exit. Colson said Andy told him: “No I don’t like it. I can’t believe what’s happening.”
Colson revealed a number of his colleagues were “emotional” as the time came to say goodbye for good(Image: ITV)
As it came to shooting his final scenes, Colson got some last-minute nerves. But Roy Cropper legend David Neilson was on hand to save the day. Colson explained: “You get all the way up to your last shot, and you know it’s your last shot.
“I’ve seen so many people leave, I’ve seen so many final speeches, I’ve seen it all so many times and the camera was on me and David Neilson behind the counter at Roy’s Rolls. I turned to him and I went, ‘I’m really nervous,’ and I was borderline shaking. I could feel like the atmosphere building and I can feel people coming in.
“David just pulled me in, whispered in my ear and I was like, yeah, yeah. Like, this is it. They called action, Duncan [Foster]called cut. They checked it, and then the next thing I know, people were clapping, and the studio is kind of full. I was like, wow, done.”
![Mick Micahelis [JOE LAYTON] corners Gary Windass [MIKEY NORTH] and punches him to the ground. Grabbing an empty bottle](https://www.occasionaldigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1748018293_593_Coronation-Streets-Gary-Windass-actor-spent-years-being-mistaken-for.jpg)
