Coronation Street’s Jack P. Shepherd has admitted he tends to give former castmates the cold shoulder once they depart from the iconic soap.
The revelation came amid discussions following Colson Smith’s announcement that he would be exiting the ITV soap, where he played the role of Craig Tinker for 14 years. Fans of their On The Sofa podcast voiced concerns over whether Jack and Colson’s friendship would wane after leaving Coronation Street.
Nonetheless, Jack put minds at ease by stating their podcast duties would keep their rapport alive: “Because we’re still doing the podcast I’ll still have a relationship with him.”
When probed by fellow presenter Ben Price, aka Nick Tilsley on Corrie, about maintaining contact if Colson left the podcast, Jack staunchly admitted: “I don’t think so, unless anything materialises in the future.”
Colson Smith is departing Coronation Street
(Image: Colson Smith Instagram)
However, Ben playfully suggested Jack would renew conversation if Colson owed him money—a notion Jack did not completely discount, adding he’d also reach out “if their paths crossed again,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
The conversation lightened up as Jack quizzed, “What are we going to do?” and Colson noted their chats largely revolved around work and football. They concluded it’s rare for them to talk off the group chat they all share.
It seems Colson isn’t the first co-star Jack acknowledges drifting from after their Weatherfield days are gone.
Coronation Street’s Jack P. Shepherd, previously shared on his podcast that he’s not the type to reach out to former stars like Helen Worth, who portrayed his on-screen mother Gail Platt for decades.
Shepherd admitted to his co-hosts: “No, I usually don’t; I don’t. If the opportunity arises, and they phone me, I’ll answer,” a remark that had everyone laughing. Yet, he was quick to point out this isn’t personal, as it’s how he handles calls in general, saying, “That’s just all walks of life. I don’t ring anyone really. Who do you ring?”
Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd has played David Platt for 25 years
(Image: Jack P Shepherd Instagram)
There’s no set date for actor Colson Smith’s departure from Corrie, though he’s recently spoken out about his impending exit. On social media, he expressed, “Autumn last year I was told that Craig Tinkers 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.”
Colson continued to reflect: “I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street. I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home.”
Looking ahead with positivity, he remarked, “I’m excited to play out the exit story for Our Craigy. For me, this is just the end of the beginning. I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. LONG LIVE THE COBBLES!”