Coronation Street icon's 'horrific' death scene 'unveiled' as star 'fighting for life'

Several residents lives are about to change as multiple characters become involved in a terrifying ordeal. A trailer has been released for the special week of episodes of the long running soap, which begin on Monday May 19. PC Craig Tinker (played by Colson Smith) is seen battered and bloody as he fights for his life. DS Swain's (Vicky Myers) emotional voiceover asks: "If we knew today was our last day on earth, what would we do differently?" The scenes come after he had excitedly begun a work placement shadowing Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) in CID. However, Kit is dealing with issues of his own due to his history with Mick Michaelis (Joe Layton) and a series of climactic events will unfold on the street, concluding with the horrific and life-changing moment for the young copper.

A teaser promised: "With Craig's life hanging in the balance afterwards, viewers will see him desperately fight for every breath, all while history catches up with Kit."

Viewers already know that Kit and Mick have a connection which pre-dates the detective's time in the police and this is thought to be central to the huge storyline.

Advance images for the special episodes show Craig being tended by an ambulance crew as he lays unconscious on the cobbles after a vicious attack.

One of the paramedics is his neighbour Asha Alahan (Tanisha Gorey) who can also be seen standing over him as he lies in a hospital bed with his life hanging in the balance.

These dramatic scenes mark the beginning of the end of Colson who is exiting the soap having played the role of Craig since 2011.

Colson was axed from the show and was told his services were no longer required in a late night meeting with show bosses last October.

Discussing his departure with his co-stars Jack P. Shepherd, who plays David Platt, and Ben Price, who portrays Nick Tilsley, on their joint podcast On The Sofa he admitted the hardest moment was walking back into the green room where his friends were waiting.

After breaking the bad news to them, he immediately suggested they head to Nando's for a commissary meal.

He said: "The hardest bit was walking down the stairs knowing you two were there. I just stood in the doorway of the green room and just looked at you two."