Malcolm Hebden, known for his iconic portrayal of Norris Cole in the popular TV series Coronation Street, has been a beloved figure in the soap opera world. Hebden first graced the screen as Norris in 1994, becoming a fixture on the show for over 1,600 episodes.
After an impressive 27-year run on the show, Hebden made the decision to retire from acting in January 2021 following a health scare in 2017 when he suffered a heart attack. Fans mourned the departure of Norris from the show after the character was written off due to moving to a retirement home.
Apart from his memorable stint as Norris, Hebden had previously played the character Carlos, the Spanish boyfriend of Mavis Riley, between 1974 and 1975. Despite a brief hiatus from the show, he returned to play Norris again in 1994 and earned accolades for his portrayal, winning the Funniest Character title at the Inside Soap Awards in 2001 and 2002.
Throughout his time on Coronation Street, Hebden’s character Norris was involved in significant storylines, including his relationships with other characters like Mary Taylor and his ongoing feud with Emily Bishop.
Hebden faced a health crisis in 2017 when he suffered a near-fatal heart attack, leading to his temporary exit from the show. Despite a brief return in 2019, Norris met his end off-screen in June 2020, with the character passing away from a stroke. Hebden’s own health struggles influenced his decision to retire from acting.
In a recent development, Hebden, now 81 years old, made appearances in a documentary celebrating Barbara Knox’s 90th birthday in October 2023. He also showed his support for his former co-star Sam Aston during his Dancing on Ice journey in 2025, reminiscing about their time together on the soap.
Looking back on his career, Hebden expressed his deep fondness for playing Norris and the courage it took to retire. His contributions to Coronation Street and the entertainment industry have left a lasting impact, endearing him to fans and colleagues alike.