Who is Craig Tinker?
Craig Tinker is a fictional character on the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, portrayed by Colson Smith. First appearing in 2011, Craig is known for his ongoing storyline which includes battling OCD and becoming a police officer. Over the years, his character has been an integral part of the show’s plot, and Colson’s performance has garnered recognition, including a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 2015 Inside Soap Awards.
Early Life and Education
Colson Smith, known for his portrayal of Craig Tinker on Coronation Street, was born on August 13, 1998, in Dorchester, Dorset, England. Raised in the picturesque countryside of southern England, Colson’s early years were marked by a love for acting and performing arts. He showed interest in acting from a young age, often participating in school plays and local theater productions.
He attended a local school where he balanced his studies with his budding interest in drama. After finishing his secondary education, Colson pursued his passion for acting, eventually attending the prestigious Manchester School of Acting. His education was pivotal in honing his craft and solidifying his aspirations of a career in entertainment.
Colson’s family was supportive of his dreams, although details about his parents remain relatively private. This support would be crucial to his success, as he embarked on his journey into professional acting at the young age of 12.
Personal Life
Though Colson Smith is known for his on-screen presence, he is relatively private about his personal life. Colson’s journey to fame was also marked by a significant physical transformation. Over the years, he has become known not just for his acting but for his commitment to fitness. In 2020, Colson documented his weight loss journey on YouTube, a decision that came after he experienced some body-image concerns while being in the public eye. His weight loss was significant, and he has since become an advocate for self-care, encouraging others to focus on their physical and mental well-being.
Aside from his acting career, Colson is an avid runner, having developed a passion for running that contributed to his transformation. He has also been vocal about his struggles with mental health, specifically his battle with body image issues. Colson has used his platform to raise awareness about these issues, which resonate with many of his fans.
As for his love life, Colson keeps it relatively private, and there has been little media speculation regarding his romantic relationships. He tends to avoid discussing his personal relationships in interviews, choosing to focus more on his professional career and his journey of self-improvement.
Family
While Colson Smith has shared some personal insights about his upbringing, details about his family life remain largely private. He was born into a supportive family who encouraged his artistic pursuits from a young age. His parents, though not frequently in the public eye, have played a crucial role in his development as an actor. Colson’s relationship with his family seems strong, and they have been part of his support network as he navigates the highs and lows of his acting career.
His parents’ names have not been widely disclosed, and Colson has kept them out of the media spotlight. This is part of his preference for maintaining a boundary between his public persona and private life. His family’s role, however, has been instrumental in providing him with the encouragement and emotional support that helped him pursue acting at a young age.
Colson has shared in interviews that his family is important to him, often mentioning how much he values their opinions. This close-knit family dynamic has undoubtedly contributed to Colson’s grounded and humble personality despite his rising fame.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colson John Smith |
| Date of Birth | August 13, 1998 |
| Age | 26 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Dorchester, Dorset, England |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Parents | Not widely known |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million (as of 2025) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 2011 – Present |
Career
Colson Smith’s career began at an impressively young age. At just 12 years old, he was cast as Craig Tinker in Coronation Street. This role marked the start of a successful career in British television. Over the years, Craig Tinker’s character evolved from a young, troubled teen into a beloved, quirky police officer. This transformation not only reflected the changing dynamics of Coronation Street but also Colson’s own development as an actor.
In 2011, Colson’s debut on Coronation Street quickly established him as a talented young actor. His character Craig was initially introduced as the son of the Tinker family, who were embroiled in various drama-filled storylines. Colson’s portrayal of Craig earned him several award nominations, including Best Young Actor at the Inside Soap Awards in 2015. This recognition was crucial for Colson, as it solidified his standing as one of the show’s most promising actors.
Over time, Colson’s character became a fan favorite. Craig’s struggles with mental health, particularly obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), became a significant part of the storyline. Colson’s sensitive and authentic portrayal of this character trait was praised by both fans and critics. His ability to portray a character with such depth and vulnerability set him apart from other young actors on the show.
As his career progressed, Colson became more involved in other media projects outside of Coronation Street. His physical transformation and newfound confidence led to appearances on reality TV shows. One such appearance was on The Games (2022), a sports competition show, where he showcased his physical prowess and further proved his versatility as an entertainer. His time on reality TV was met with positive feedback, as Colson demonstrated that he could thrive in a range of genres, not just soap operas.
Colson’s commitment to self-improvement and his openness about his personal struggles resonated with many fans. He has used his platform to advocate for body positivity and mental health awareness. His candidness in discussing his own challenges has helped to break down stigmas surrounding mental health issues in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his work on Coronation Street, Colson has been involved in various charity work. He has raised awareness for several causes, particularly those related to mental health, fitness, and self-care. Colson’s transparency about his own mental health struggles has made him a role model for many young people who feel empowered by his openness.
Looking ahead, Colson has expressed a desire to explore more diverse roles and expand his career beyond soap operas. Though his role as Craig Tinker has been a cornerstone of his career, Colson has shown that he is not limited to one type of performance. His future in the entertainment industry looks bright, as he continues to evolve as both an actor and a public figure.
As of 2025, Colson Smith remains one of the most recognizable and respected actors on British television, known for his talent, perseverance, and commitment to personal growth.
Latest News
As of January 2025, Colson Smith, renowned for his role as Craig Tinker on Coronation Street, announced his departure from the show after 14 years. His final scenes are scheduled to air later this year, marking a significant transition in his acting career.
In July 2024, Colson underwent a hair transplant procedure, addressing his hair loss concerns. He shared his experience on social media, expressing increased confidence following the surgery.
Additionally, Colson has been open about his health and fitness journey, revealing a substantial weight loss of approximately 54 kg (120 lbs). He attributes this transformation to his commitment to running and a healthier lifestyle, inspiring many of his fans
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Account Link |
|---|---|
| @colsonjsmith | |
| @colsonjsmith |
Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at an impressive 6’1″ (185 cm), Colson Smith is a tall and physically fit individual. Over the years, he has undergone a significant physical transformation. He took up running in 2020 to lose weight and documented his journey in a YouTube video, “Bored of Being the Fat Kid.” His toned physique and renewed confidence have since made him a role model for many who struggle with body image issues.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Colson Smith’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his long-running role on Coronation Street, appearances in reality TV shows like The Games (2022), and his growing presence in the entertainment industry. Additionally, his social media ventures and endorsement deals have contributed to his financial success.
FAQS
Who is Craig Tinker’s dad?
Craig Tinker’s dad is named Tommy Tinker, who appeared on Coronation Street as part of the Tinker family.
What has happened to Craig Tinker’s hair?
Craig Tinker, portrayed by Colson Smith, recently underwent a hair transplant to address his hair loss, which he openly shared with fans.
How has Craig from Corrie lost weight?
Colson Smith, who plays Craig, lost weight by adopting a healthier lifestyle and committing to regular running, which he documented in 2020.
Who is Beth’s son in Coronation Street?
Beth’s son in Coronation Street is named Craig Tinker. He is a key character in the show, portrayed by Colson Smith.
