Coronation Street's Ellie Leach leaves former co-star 'sobbing' as on-screen ex Colson Smith responds to her love declaration

Coronation Street star Ellie Leach left her former co-star 'sobbing' as she declared her love for her 'best friend' and fellow ITV soap actor Colson Smith. The actress paid a heartfelt tribute to the Craig Tinker star after her exit scenes aired.

Ellie made the decision to quit the ITV soap after 12 years leading to an on-screen exit for Faye Windass in Wednesday night's episode (May 24). Faye was seen heading off in a taxi driven by her dad Tim Metcalfe to start a new life in Slough with her ex Jackson Hodge and their daughter Miley, who recently came back into her life after she gave her up as a baby after falling pregnant when she was 12.

She packed her bags weeks after reuniting with Jackson and Miley as she struggled to admit to her feelings for her former flame despite the pair sharing a kiss before Craig popped the question - and Faye accepted. But as she was waved off by step-mum Sally, brother Gary Windass and sister-in-law Maria, she couldn't leave before a last emotional goodbye with a heartbroken Craig.

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Giving Craig a warm hug she said: "I love you and always will." She told him: "Thank you for everything Craig Tinker. Thank you for all that we've been through and for everything we've done together. I wouldn't be the person that I am without you."

After the scenes Ellie, who has played Faye since 2011, typed a heartfelt tribute to Colson on her Instagram with a collection of sweet snaps of the pair from over their years as Faye and Craig. She also included the page from the script showing their last words to each other.

"To my best friend," she said. "Where to even begin, starting this job at 9 years old I didnt know what to expect,