'Coronation Street' bosses have reportedly killed off Norris Cole and filmed his funeral.
Malcolm Hebden
The iconic character was played by Malcolm Hebden for more than 1600 episodes spanning 27 years until he stepped back in 2017, and the actor made the occasional cameo before confirming his retirement in January.
Now, an insider has told The Sun newspaper: "Norris was a huge character for 'Coronation Street' and his funeral will be filled with tears fun and laughter, as well as tears.
"Make no doubt about it, this will be a celebration of all of the best moments Norris has had on the cobbles.
"But given his influence and how much he was loved, it is going to be an emotional watch."
The funeral scenes will see Ken Barlow (Bill Roache), Gail Platt (Helen Worth) and Mary Taylor (Patti Clare) in attendance.
The 81-year-old actor officially stepped away from the ITV soap for good at the beginning of the year.
He said at the time: "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 was a much loved character in the soap, and was best known for being a gossip, as well as working behind the counter at The Kabin newsagents.
Malcolm’s character left the cobbles in June 2019 to move to Stillwaters care home, but had made several guest appearances over the past year and a half.
And ‘Corrie’ producer Iain MacLeod said fans will be “desperately sad” to see him leave for good.
He explained: “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.”
Tagged in Bill Roache Malcolm Hebden Helen Worth