Coronation Street delivered an emotionally shattering update on Beth Tinker’s storyline in Friday’s episode, leaving viewers devastated.

The dramatic turn of events unfolded earlier in the week, when Craig Tinker, played by Colson Smith, met a tragic end after 14 years on the show at the hands of Mick Michaelis. In Monday’s episode, Craig had responded to a disturbance at Mick and Lou’s residence, only to be dismissed by Lou.

However, upon later spotting Mick speeding in his van while under the influence, Craig pulled him over. This led to a violent confrontation with an enraged and intoxicated Mick, who had been seeking revenge against Kit Green for having an affair with Lou in the past and potentially being the biological father of his son Brody.

The altercation took a deadly turn when Mick attacked Craig with a baseball bat, leaving him lifeless on the road as he sped away. In Wednesday’s episode, medical professionals at the hospital declared Craig dead after attempting CPR.

Friday’s episode showed the heartbreaking aftermath, as Craig’s father figure, Kirk Sutherland, struggled to come to terms with the loss of his stepson and had the difficult task of breaking the news to Craig’s mother and his ex, Beth. Fans of the show will remember that Beth left the cobbles last year after a 13-year stint, following a blackmail plot by Kit, reports Leicestershire Live.

Initially, Kirk was unable to reach Beth, admitting: “She’s not answering” as Maria Connor speculated that she might be enjoying herself at the pub. An emotional Kirk then admitted: “And I’m about to ruin her life… his mum’s away, I’m supposed to be looking after him and I didn’t.”

Eventually he got through as Kirk told Beth on the phone: “Beth… I’m so sorry, I’m so so sorry” before breaking down in tears.

Soap fans on Twitter, now X, couldn’t contain their emotions, with one viewer commenting: “Kirk broke me. We need characters like Craig in Corrie and Colson is going to be missed” complete with a heartbreak emoji.

Another expressed distress: “I can’t deal with Kirk being so distraught. This is SUCH an emotional week #corrie” while another fan was overwhelmed from the get-go, noting: “OMG I am only 1 minute into this episode and I CANNOT! #Corrie. Kirk’s reaction to Craig passing? ? ?”

In the aftermath of these poignant episodes, actress Lisa George who portrays Beth Tinker, Craig’s mother in the soap, took to Instagram to share her sentiments about the departure.

Lisa, aged 52, uploaded several photos reflecting on the long-standing bond between Beth and Craig, writing: “Our Craigy… the best mother and son duo for 13 years.”

She added praise for her co-star: “Well done with all you’ve achieved @colsonjsmith!! A new chapter begins, wishing you all the luck in the world! It was a pleasure working with you for all that time and I can’t wait to see what you do next #corrie #coronationstreet #motherandson #craig #beth #actorslife #workworkwork #itv.”

Speculation among soap viewers is running high as they wonder if this suggests Lisa will return to the Street for Craig’s funeral as Beth.

One individual shared: “Gonna miss our Craig, hope this means your back for a while to say goodbye?”, another penned: “Aww hope you’re back soon, would make sense as a mother”, someone else remarked: “please come back for his funeral” and yet another said: “hope you’ll be back for his funeral.”