25 September 2023 , 18:15
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With a body newly dug up on the Cobbles, Coronation Street's resident police detective Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) certainly had his hands full, with murderous Stephen Reid's (Tod Boyce) web of lies beginning to unravel at long last. Corrie fans first met Craig back in August 2011, when the then schoolboy joined loudmouthed mum Beth Tinker (Lisa George) on a date with her old flame Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson).
In the years since, Craig has been at the very heart of some of Corrie's most gripping storylines, including a painful battle with OCD and his decision to secretly record conversations with his police mentor Neil Clifton (Ben Cartwright) after discovering he was a rapist, putting his career in jeopardy. Colson's life offscreen couldn't be more different, however, like his most famous character, he has also undergone some significant changes.
Colson has spoken candidly about his body confidence journey10-stone weight loss and newfound confidence
In his 2021 documentary Bored Of Being The Fat Kid, Colson opened up about his 18-month weight loss journey, which saw him shed a staggering 10-stone and, most importantly, grow in confidence. Speaking candidly about having low self-esteem when it comes to his appearance, Colson shared that he was "self-harming himself with food" and confided that he most likely had an eating disorder.
Speaking in the emotive short documentary, Colson, who found a love for running during lockdown, revealed: "Being the kid who was on telly definitely put a target on my head. I got a hard time at school. I got a hard time for my job, and a hard time for the way I looked, so it was the worst of both worlds." Nowadays, sporty Colson will often document his newfound passion for fitness via Instagram, sharing gym snaps or pics from his gruelling marathon training.
Swish bachelor pad near Corrie set and close friendship with co-stars
Behind the scenes, Colson is very close to co-stars Jack P Shepherd and Ben Price, who play Platt brothers David and Nick in the ITV soap. The trio co-host a popular film review podcast, Sofa Cinema Club, and have even reportedly lived together on and off, in a chic bachelor pad in Salford Quays, right by the Corrie set.
Corrie's Sue Cleaver says I'm A Celebrity stint helped her to push boundaries
In 2018, Jack moved into the £300,000 party flat with Colson after breaking up with his fiancée, Lauren Sheppey after 15 years together. Opening up about their living situation with Inside Soap magazine, Jack said: "I live with Colson – and that's a challenge. I have to teach him about life and things, and I do his washing. He's like my little project – my nickname is 'Dad'."
In June 2019, Jack moved in with his new girlfriend, after which Ben became Colson's new flatmate. Joking on an episode of their podcast, Colson remarked: "It's a little bit like the changing of the guard, the colour of troop or whatever it's called". Colson will often share posts updating fans on the trio's latest adventures, from live shows to days out ziplining in Wales. In one post, Colson expressed affection for his two pals, declaring: "Couldn't think of two better lads to watch films with!"
Coronation Street airs on Mondays,Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and can also be streamed on ITVX.