Coronation Street‘s Craig Tinker had some big news in tonight’s episode – which could be a hint at the character’s upcoming exit storyline.

Actor Colson Smith announced in January that he was leaving the cobbles after 14 years in the role, having learned his character was being written out of the soap late last year.

Tonight’s episode saw Craig share his big news with Roy Cropper, popping by the cafe in a perky mood, where he ordered a tea and Eccles cake from Roy, letting slip he was in a celebratory mood.

When Roy enquired about his good news, Craig told him that he’d bagged another placement within the Police, being transferred to Weatherfield’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Roy offered his congratulations, with Craig replying: “Thank you Roy, I just hope this one makes my career progress more than the last one.”

Related: Coronation Street star confirms who ‘saves’ Eileen in emotional exit plot

Colson confirmed in early March that he had filmed his final scenes on the cobbles, which resulted in “plenty of tears” at the time, but the actor hasn’t let slip on Craig’s fate.

Rumours in the press have suggested that Craig’s exit might be a permanent one, with a source telling The Sun that the police officer could meet a traumatising end.

While unconfirmed, the newspaper reports that PC Tinker could be set to die on the job this summer in a storyline fit for a hero.

Could Craig’s new CID placement be the beginning of the end for him?

As for what’s next, Colson recently revealed details about his first audition post-Coronation Street for BBC crime dramedy Ludwig – though he wasn’t confident he’d landed the role.

“I knew I wasn’t going to get it sort of thing, because one, it was for a big show and two, a copper, but it was just a nice experience to get out and do it,” he said in a chat during the On The Sofa podcast with co-stars Ben Price and Jack P Shepherd.