Coronation Street Star Colson Smith Offers Fans Rare Insight into Private Romance
Coronation Street actor Colson Smith, celebrated for his long-running role as PC Craig Tinker on the ITV soap from 2011 to 2025, has captivated his substantial social media following by sharing a series of uncommon and affectionate photographs featuring his girlfriend, the talented make-up artist Taylor Gunn. The 27-year-old performer, who typically maintains a discreet stance regarding his personal life, took to Instagram to post a delightful collection of loved-up selfies, providing a rare window into their relationship for his 225,000 followers.
Instagram Reveal Showcases Stylish Couple
In one particularly charming snapshot, Colson appears relaxed and casual, sporting a sports jacket, a simple white t-shirt, and a cap, while Taylor exudes style in a striking leopard print dress paired with a crisp white blazer. Another image captures the couple posing energetically in a lift mirror, radiating happiness. A further photo presents Colson looking dapper in a sophisticated black shirt, matching blazer, and trousers, with Taylor showcasing her figure in an elegant black bodycon dress.
The Instagram post, which Colson humorously captioned 'Dumping life,' also included additional personal moments. These comprised a picture from a wedding, behind-the-scenes shots from his podcast recordings alongside Coronation Street co-stars Jack P. Shepherd and Ben Price, a mirror selfie, and images of various delectable meals.
Relationship Blossoms After Celebrity Big Brother
The couple first publicly confirmed their romance in 2024, reuniting shortly after Colson's notable stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house, where he ultimately placed third. During his time on the reality television show, alongside personalities like Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, Colson surprisingly disclosed that he was in a relationship, a revelation that astonished many fans who were previously unaware.
When questioned by Sharon Osbourne about his impressive 10-stone weight loss and his girlfriend's perspective, Colson warmly responded, 'She’s very supportive. So if ever I’m having a bad day, she tells me exactly what I need to hear.' He affectionately added, 'She’s very much a good egg. She is.' His exit from the Big Brother house marked a joyful reunion with Taylor, finally revealing her identity to curious viewers and the public.
Private Love Story in the Public Eye
An insider close to the couple previously told The Sun, 'Colson and Taylor are really happy together. He is a private person, but it felt like the right time to share the romance.' The pair reportedly move in similar social circles and initially met while out socially. Taylor, who works as a make-up artist and also serves as a wedding and events coordinator at Manchester Hall—a venue frequented by the Coronation Street cast for parties—has evidently won the approval of Colson's family.
The source further noted, 'Colson's mum really loves her and it looks like they will be ready to make the next step and properly move in together any day now.' Their relationship continues to flourish, with the couple seen supporting Colson's Corrie co-star Ellie Leach at her performance in Cluedo just a month after his Big Brother experience.
Colson Smith's Coronation Street Legacy and Future
Colson Smith rose to fame portraying Craig Tinker on Coronation Street starting in 2011. Over his 14-year tenure, his character navigated numerous compelling storylines, including a battle with OCD, a romance with Caitlin Ryan, and his career as a police officer, which tragically culminated in his character's death in 2025 after an attack by Mick Michaelis, played by Joe Layton.
Reflecting on his departure, Colson shared with the Daily Mail in January of the previous year, 'Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinker's time on the Cobbles is to come to end in 2025. I've loved every single second of my 14 year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world.' He expressed enthusiasm for his character's exit, stating, 'I can’t wait for people to see Craig’s final scenes. It is exactly the exit I wanted for him and we are all really proud of what we filmed.'
Looking ahead, Colson optimistically remarked, 'For me, this is the end of the beginning. I genuinely can't wait to see what chapter two has in store for me.' As he embarks on new professional ventures, fans remain delighted by this personal glimpse into his life with Taylor Gunn, celebrating the couple's happiness together.
