Colson Smith, widely recognized for his long-standing role as Craig Tinker on the iconic ITV soap opera Coronation Street, recently ventured far from the familiar cobbles of Weatherfield to participate in a celebrity edition of the beloved BBC series, Antiques Road Trip. Known for his earnest portrayal of a community-focused police officer, Smith traded police sirens for vintage finds, competing against TV personality and former Miss Liverpool Christine McGuiness in a light-hearted quest to unearth hidden treasures and raise funds for charity. However, what unfolded was less a triumphant treasure hunt and more a series of endearing, albeit financially unsuccessful, adventures that left the soap star in stitches – and in the red.

The premise of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip is simple yet engaging: a famous face is paired with a seasoned antiques expert, given a fixed budget, and tasked with scouring various locations for items to be sold at auction. The goal, of course, is to turn a profit for a chosen charity, adding a layer of competitive fun to the historical exploration. Colson and Christine embarked on their journey through picturesque Cheshire, beginning their antique odyssey in the charming town of Frodsham. Their mode of transport, a classic 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, set the nostalgic tone for a day filled with unique discoveries and spirited haggling before concluding their escapade in Stockport.

Christine McGuiness, partnered with the astute antiques expert Irita Marriot, quickly established herself as a formidable force in the world of antique trading. Her innate ability to haggle, described by Irita as “incredible,” left even Colson astonished. With a budget of £400, Christine meticulously curated a collection of impressive items. Among her finds were a beautifully crafted wooden antique tea caddy, a quaint Princess car name label, an elegant glass Art Deco bowl, a surprisingly well-preserved Roman vase, and a stylish silver-mounted leather jug. Christine’s strategy seemed to combine an eye for aesthetic appeal with a keen understanding of market value, a combination that would ultimately serve her well. She even playfully teased Colson about her negotiating prowess, quipping, “I’ve got one of those faces that they can’t say no to, Colson,” a statement that proved remarkably accurate as the day progressed.

Colson, on the other hand, displayed a distinct inclination towards the more unconventional and, arguably, esoteric. While Christine pursued classic elegance, Colson, guided by his antiques mentor Hettie Jago, found himself drawn to items that might best be described as “curiosities.” Upon learning of Christine’s impressive haggling triumphs, Hettie good-naturedly urged the Coronation Street actor to “up his game,” recognizing that his competitor was truly in her element. Throughout their tour of Cheshire, Colson’s purchases included a somewhat obscure rotary knife device, a vintage shoe repairing machine, a retro film projector, and a substantial, rustic oil can. These items, while certainly possessing character, hinted at a collecting philosophy driven more by personal interest and mechanical fascination than by anticipated auction success.

The true test of their antique acumen, however, arrived with the much-anticipated auction. It was here that Colson’s spending decisions proved to be less than profitable. As bids for his unique collection remained stubbornly low, a frustrated yet humorous Colson addressed the auction room directly, exclaiming, “You’re all tight in here, aren’t you?” His playful chiding masked a growing sense of disbelief as Christine’s items began to fetch impressive sums. When her Art Deco bowl alone generated a £70 profit, Colson couldn’t help but voice his bewilderment, asking, “What’s going on?” He further joked that the bidders “all hate him” for seemingly conspiring against his triumph.

The situation failed to improve for the Yorkshire-born actor. His shoe machine resulted in a £30 loss, and his film projector, despite its nostalgic charm, caused a further £10 deficit. With each declining bid, Colson’s good-natured exasperation mounted, leading him to wonder aloud, “Is everyone against me in here?” The final nail in the coffin for Colson’s auction ambitions came with Christine’s Roman vase. After acquiring it for a mere £70, Christine walked away with a remarkable £220 profit, leaving Colson utterly baffled by his opponent’s seemingly effortless success.

By the close of the auction, the financial disparity between the two celebrities was stark. From their initial £400 budget, Colson made a total loss, his final charity contribution standing at £357.78. Christine, conversely, demonstrated an undeniable talent for selecting valuable items, accumulating a total of £512.80. Reflecting on her victory, Christine expressed her enjoyment and satisfaction, stating, “I really enjoyed it, I’m really happy that I made some good profits.” Colson, always one to find humor in defeat, masked his disappointment with a smile, asserting to Hettie that the most important thing was “having fun.” He rationalized his losses by acknowledging, “We had fun, didn’t we, that’s the most important bit is having fun.” He added, with a touch of self-deprecating humor, “I just had a certain style of things that I liked and clearly other people don’t like them, I guess.”

Colson Smith’s journey on Coronation Street as Craig Tinker has been one of significant evolution, offering a fascinating contrast to his light-hearted antique hunt. Craig, first introduced in 2011 as the shy and anxious son of Beth Tinker, has matured into one of the street’s most dependable and empathetic residents. His character arc has explored deeply resonant themes, notably his battle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which saw him grappling with intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. His dedicated portrayal brought a crucial spotlight to mental health issues, showcasing Craig’s resilience and his journey towards managing his condition with the support of his loved ones.

Beyond his personal struggles, Craig has carved out a significant career in the police force, a profession that often places him in the heart of Weatherfield’s most dramatic and challenging storylines. As a police constable, he embodies a sense of justice, often finding himself caught between his professional duties and his personal loyalties to his friends and family on the street. His long-term relationship with Faye Windass, punctuated by various ups and downs, including her involvement in a hit-and-run and her recent health challenges, has further highlighted Craig’s unwavering support and steadfast nature. Craig Tinker, on screen, is characterized by his diligence, his earnestness, and his commitment to doing the right thing, even when faced with difficult circumstances. This contrasts delightfully with Colson Smith’s more whimsical and less financially astute choices on Antiques Road Trip, revealing a different, more laid-back facet of the actor’s personality. While Craig Tinker might meticulously gather evidence and follow procedure, Colson Smith appears to follow his heart when it comes to quirky vintage finds.

Colson’s recent Antiques Road Trip experience also found a humorous echo on his popular podcast, “Sofa Cinema Club,” which he co-hosts alongside fellow Coronation Street actors Jack P. Shepherd (David Platt) and Ben Price (Nick Tilsley). The camaraderie among the trio is palpable, and Colson’s recounting of his antique adventure provided ample fodder for laughter. The stars erupted in mirth as Colson candidly revealed his financial loss, reiterating the show’s charitable purpose and the irony of his performance. Jack and Ben were particularly amused and perhaps a little bewildered by Colson’s specific purchases, especially the film projector and the “cobbler’s shoe stretcher.” Colson’s confession took an even more peculiar turn when he added, with a perfectly timed comedic pause, “It gets worse. I got a big tub of lubricant which looked cool and arty.” The image of Colson presenting such an item at auction, alongside his other eclectic finds, undoubtedly contributed to the podcast’s comedic gold, underscoring the charmingly unconventional nature of his antique selections. He did, however, manage to secure one profitable item: “I bought a teacup I was told to but because it would have made me money at auction, which it did.” This small victory, a practical purchase made under expert guidance, served as a humorous counterpoint to his other, more personally driven choices.

Ultimately, Colson Smith’s appearance on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip may not have yielded substantial profits for charity, but it certainly delivered on entertainment value. It offered viewers a delightful glimpse into the actor’s personality beyond his role as Craig Tinker, showcasing his good humor, his adventurous spirit, and his ability to find joy even in a “blunder.” Such celebrity appearances not only raise money for good causes but also humanize public figures, allowing audiences to see them navigate ordinary challenges with characteristic charm. While the cobbles of Weatherfield often present Craig Tinker with serious dilemmas, Colson Smith’s antique road trip provided a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the most memorable adventures are not about winning, but about the unique and often humorous journey of discovery.