CORONATION Street star Malcolm Hebden has quietly retired — meaning fans will never see Norris Cole again.
The actor, 81, quit acting last summer after a near-fatal heart attack in 2017.
He played busybody Norris in more than 1,600 shows from 1994, returning for the odd cameo since his health scare.
Last night he told The Celeb Report: “I absolutely adored playing Norris and I was pleased to be able to return briefly after my operation.
“It took a great deal of courage to make the decision to retire.
“But I had come to realise that although the mind was willing the body was not so much.”
Norris, a lovable gossip behind the counter at The Kabin newsagents, left for care home Stillwaters in June 2019.
He returned for several guest appearances – though Malcolm’s Corrie debut was in 1974, playing Mavis Riley’s Spanish love interest Carlos.
Producer Iain MacLeod said fans will be “desperately sad”.
He added: “Norris became an all-time great character, whose lemon-lipped barbs will be remembered forever.
“But, in his brilliant double acts with Emily, Rita and more recently Mary, Malcolm has left us with countless fantastic memories.”
Norris will be featured in an episode of ITV’s Icons series – which has showcased fellow characters including Liz McDonald and Roy Cropper.
A Corrie spokesperson said: “Whilst Malcolm enjoys his retirement at home, Norris will reside at Stillwaters off screen and will continue to be referenced in scripts.”
Norris’ Top 5 best bits
