While Beth, portrayed by Lisa George until her departure from the show last year, will be involved in the funeral, the ceremony will take place away from Weatherfield and won’t be shown to viewers.

Craig’s death came after a vicious attack at the hands of villain Mick Michaelis, who beat the innocent police officer with a bat before leaving him for dead.

“Craig’s funeral will take place away from Weatherfield with Beth very much involved – but she won’t be back on screen,” they revealed.

The source added: “It will all make sense for the story and there’s a very touching goodbye to Craig from his friends in the community instead.”

Lisa George left the show last year, with her final scene showing Beth departing in a taxi.

At the time, she admitted: “I cried afterwards because it’s been this huge part of my life for such a long time.”

Colson Smith, who played Craig since the age of 12, recently opened up about learning of his character’s fate.

Colson Smith, who played Craig since the age of 12, recently opened up about learning of his character’s fate

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Speaking on This Morning to Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, the 26-year-old revealed: “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.”

He described the meeting with show boss Kate Brooks, saying: “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.”

Coronation Street fans mourning the shocking on-screen death of Craig Tinker will face further heartbreak, as it’s been confirmed that Beth Tinker — Craig’s mother — will not return for her son’s funeral.

The beloved character of Craig, portrayed by Colson Smith for 14 years, met a devastating end in recent episodes after being brutally attacked by villain Mick Michaelis, who beat the young police officer with a bat and left him for dead. The violent scenes shocked viewers and marked one of the soap’s most tragic storylines in recent years.

Beth’s Absence: A Quiet Goodbye Off-Screen

Despite her pivotal role in Craig’s life, Beth Tinker, played by Lisa George, will not appear on screen during the funeral. A show insider confirmed that while Beth is involved in Craig’s funeral, the ceremony itself will take place off-screen and away from Weatherfield.

“Craig’s funeral will take place away from Weatherfield with Beth very much involved — but she won’t be back on screen,” the source revealed.
“It will all make sense for the story and there’s a very touching goodbye to Craig from his friends in the community instead.”

Fans hoping for one final emotional moment between mother and son will be disappointed, but the show intends to focus on a community farewell in Weatherfield — a tribute to Craig from the friends and neighbours who watched him grow up.

Lisa George’s Departure and Emotional Goodbye

Lisa George exited Coronation Street in 2023, with Beth’s final scene showing her leaving Weatherfield in a taxi. At the time, George opened up about the emotional weight of her departure:

“I cried afterwards because it’s been this huge part of my life for such a long time.”

Though her character won’t return for Craig’s final chapter, Beth’s presence will still be felt narratively, providing closure in a subtle, respectful way that fits with her off-screen departure.

Colson Smith Reflects on Craig’s Death

Colson Smith, who began playing Craig at the age of 12, also addressed his character’s death publicly. Speaking to Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on This Morning, the now 26-year-old actor revealed that he had wanted a dramatic exit for Craig.

“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.”

Smith shared that the conversation with show boss Kate Brooks was emotional but brought him a sense of peace:

“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.”

Craig’s final scenes were filled with emotion, tension, and heartbreak, delivering a powerful end to a character fans had watched evolve from a shy, awkward teenager into a brave and loyal officer of the law.

Weatherfield Bids Farewell

Though viewers won’t witness the funeral itself, the show will honor Craig’s legacy through touching community scenes in Weatherfield. From his longtime friends and former colleagues to those who simply admired his good-hearted nature, Craig’s loss will ripple through the cobbles, reminding fans just how deeply rooted he had become in the fabric of the show.

In summary:
Craig Tinker’s death marks the end of an era for Coronation Street, and while his mother Beth won’t return on screen to say goodbye, the storyline promises to honor both characters in a thoughtful and emotional way. With Colson Smith’s powerful final performance and a tribute from the Weatherfield community, Corrie fans are in for a poignant farewell to one of the soap’s most beloved sons.