Colson Smith Speaker | Teen Speakers & Creative & Careers & New Speakers & Assemblies and Celebrations Events & Body Image

Colson Smith

The Actor, Podcaster & Runner who grew up on the Nations favourite street.

At the age of 10 Colson decided to give up his dreams of becoming a spy and turn his attention to acting. At the age of 11 he was in the biggest, and longest, running serial drama, Coronation Street. Now into his 12th year of playing Craig Tinker in the show, he's certainly learned and experienced a lot growing up in a world in front of the cameras!

In the 2020 lockdown he found himself with nothing to do so took up running in order to be productive. He went on to 'famously shed 10 stone' and someone who became seen as a role model to others in a similar position. Following that up by showing that challenging yourself to become uncomfortable is what counts when he took on the ITV Show THE GAMES, where he learnt to swim in front of 4 million people!

Colson has also produced some of his own work. He is extremely proud of his award winning podcast Sofa Cinema Club and his documentary Bored Of Being The Fat Kid.

What's next for Colson Smith? He doesn't know yet, which is what makes this life so unpredictable, challenging and fun!

Watch Colson in action here.

Testimonials from Teachers

I have known Colson for approaching 17 years, and in that time I have seen him flourish into the tremendous young man he is today. My initial dealings with him were as a 9 year old junior cricketer, passionate and gregarious, keen to learn and able to take in the new surroundings and mi goes with all ages at the cricket club. Overtime, our friendship has grown to the point where, despite all his successes as an actor, he has willingly given his time to visit my school, deliver key note speeches in assemblies on topics such as resilience, and willingness to adapt and learn. He has also delivered the Duke of Edinburgh awards to three cohorts of pupils along with a short congratulatory address to the pupils. I would fully endorse Colson for any role in schools, particularly those that are looking to deliver aspirational talks to pupils based around his story so far, his relentless pursuit of fitness goals and managing his hectic lifestyle. He is an inspiration to all and to have him speak to pupils in school would be an amazing experience for them.

– Mr A Bourke, Geography Lead and DofE Coordinator, Mount St Mary's Catholic High School

When Colson did my QnA for my Charity Event he was very funny, articulate, entertaining and had an understanding of what the audience required and came across very well . During the entire night he was very friendly, polite and never said no to anything or anyone
Overall Colson was a pleasure as a celebrity guest.

– Simon Grayson, Football Manager & Prostate Cancer Ambassador

Colson has attend the academy several times to deliver confident inspirational and motivational speeches to hundreds of pupils and adults. He is an authentic speaker as he is able to confidentally share his own experiences and shows emotional narrative. Colson has shown resilence throughout his years and draws upon these experiences in his work. He shows his warming personality when in the presence of his audience making eye contact when telling his story and can confidently express his words. Colson is an effective communicator as he ensures that he achieves the themed outcomes of the speech in a succint way. He is also happy and confident to be lead by his audience by reading the room and picking up on non verbal cues in order for them to absorb and learn from his experiences. The children at the academy always feedback with positive vibes and it is aparent that they fully immerse themselves in his experiences. I can confidently say that Colson is an impressive public speaker and it is a privilage to hear him talk and share his journey.

It gives me great pleasure to be able to express my deepest and sincere admiration for Colson Smith. I have known Colson since he was 11 years old; having been fortunate enough to share and observe his development through his secondary school years in my role as his pastoral head of year. Across this time I have been able to witness first hand what a determined, courageous, committed person he is. He has always strived to be the best person he could be by taking on new challenges and pushing himself out of his comfort zone. Throughout his journey he has always set high standards of himself and has always lead by example. He has and continues to conduct himself with the utmost professionalism and takes pride in his positive demeanour in all his work.

– Mrs F Holmes, Head of Year, Castleford Academy

"Colson was fabulous thank you so much for suggesting him & arranging it all."

– Hannah Moss, Marketing, North Lindsey College