For generations of Coronation Street viewers, Norris Cole was not just a character — he was an institution. Sharp-tongued, endlessly inquisitive,

and armed with a moral compass that often pointed directly at everyone else’s business, Norris became one of Weatherfield’s most recognisable figures

. At the heart of that legacy was actor Malcolm Hebden, whose portrayal of the legendary busybody spanned nearly three decades and more than 1,600 episodes.

Yet six years after quietly stepping away from the cobbles, Hebden’s real-life story has proven just as dramatic and moving as anything written into the soap.

Malcolm Hebden first arrived in Coronation Street in 1994, stepping into the role that would define his career. Norris Cole quickly established himself as Weatherfield’s resident gossip, a man who could uncover secrets faster than most characters could keep them. Whether peering suspiciously from behind the counter at the Corner Shop or inserting himself into neighbourhood disputes with righteous certainty, Norris became essential viewing. He was irritating, amusing, and oddly endearing — a character audiences loved to groan at and laugh with in equal measure.

However, Norris’s Coronation Street story was not Hebden’s first brush with Weatherfield. Long before Norris became synonymous with his name, Hebden appeared on the soap in the mid-1970s as Carlos, the Spanish boyfriend of Mavis Riley, played by the late Thelma Barlow. That short-lived role laid the groundwork for a far greater legacy. Nearly twenty years later, Hebden returned — this time to stay.

Inside Coronation Street Norris actor’s life six years after exit including heart attack

Norris’s journey across the cobbles was filled with unforgettable moments. His long-standing feud with Emily Bishop, portrayed by Eileen Derbyshire, was a masterclass in restrained soap rivalry, fuelled by passive-aggressive remarks and icy politeness. Meanwhile, his unexpected friendship — and eventual complicated relationship — with Mary Taylor brought warmth and vulnerability to a character often defined by suspicion and control. Despite his meddling ways, Norris had a soft core, and when the walls occasionally came down, viewers were reminded why he mattered.

Hebden’s performance did not go unnoticed. In 2001 and 2002, he won the Inside Soap Award for Funniest Character, cementing Norris’s status as a fan favourite. Yet despite the accolades and popularity, the actor briefly exited the soap in the late 1990s, only to return in 1999 after fans made it clear that Weatherfield simply wasn’t the same without him.

Behind the scenes, however, life would soon take a devastating turn.

Malcom was best known for playing Norris

In late 2017, Malcolm Hebden suffered a near-fatal heart attack — one that would ultimately change the course of his life and career. What made the ordeal even more frightening was how silently it unfolded. Hebden had initially visited his GP for what he believed was a routine chest infection. Instead, after examining his heart, the doctor urgently contacted him later that day, informing him that an emergency ambulance was already on its way.

Hebden later described the moment with chilling clarity. He was told he had already suffered at least one heart attack. Rushed to Royal Blackburn Hospital, his condition rapidly worsened. While hospitalised, he collapsed and was transferred to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where surgeons performed what was described as a “ground-breaking” operation.

The heart attack had torn a hole in his heart. Surgeons made a life-or-death decision, repairing the damage using bovine tissue in a procedure Hebden later described as having his heart “wallpapered.” The risks were immense, and survival was far from guaranteed.

He suffered a health scare in 2017

Unconscious for weeks, Hebden eventually regained awareness sometime in January. By the time he was discharged in late February, he had spent nearly three months in hospital — a gruelling period that left both physical and emotional scars. The experience forced him to confront a painful reality: returning to the demanding schedule of a long-running soap might no longer be possible.

Although Hebden made a brief return to Coronation Street in March 2019, it was clear his appearances would be limited. His final on-screen moment came in June 2020, and in early 2021, it was confirmed that Norris Cole had passed away off-screen following a stroke. For fans, the announcement was heartbreaking. Norris had been part of the fabric of the Street for so long that his absence felt deeply personal.

That same year, Hebden officially announced his retirement from acting at the age of 81. It was not a decision driven by a lack of love for the craft, but by the need to protect his health and embrace a quieter life after surviving an ordeal that nearly cost him everything.

Yet retirement did not mean disappearing entirely.

He recently headed back to the set

In October 2023, Hebden made a rare public appearance in the documentary Barbara Knox at 90, celebrating the milestone birthday of his longtime Coronation Street colleague. The appearance was met with warmth and nostalgia, a reminder of the deep bonds forged behind the scenes over decades of shared storytelling.

More recently, Hebden returned to the famous cobbles not as an actor, but as a supporter. In 2025, he appeared to cheer on Sam Aston — who plays Chesney Brown — during Aston’s stint on Dancing on Ice. The reunion offered fans a touching glimpse of the enduring relationships that define Coronation Street beyond the camera.

During their meeting, Hebden and Aston reflected fondly on their early years together. Aston recalled advice Hebden once gave him as a child actor: “Know your lines and don’t be late.” Simple words, perhaps, but ones that Aston credits with shaping his professionalism. Hebden, in turn, affectionately referred to Aston as his surrogate grandson, highlighting the familial atmosphere that has long been a hallmark of the show.

Norris spoke to co-star Sam about their soap days

Six years after leaving Coronation Street, Malcolm Hebden’s life is no longer dominated by scripts, schedules, or studio lights. Instead, it is defined by survival, reflection, and the enduring love of fans who still associate his name with one of soap’s most iconic characters.

Norris Cole may no longer be peering through Weatherfield’s windows or stirring up gentle chaos on the cobbles, but his legacy — and Hebden’s extraordinary journey — remain deeply woven into the heart of British television history.