Malcolm Hebden / © Joseph Scanlon
The cast of Coronation Street have reportedly been spotted filming funeral scenes for the legendary Norris Cole.
The character, played by Malcolm Hebden, was introduced in 1994 as a friend of Derek and Mavis, becoming a regular in 1999 and forming a business partnership with Rita (Barbara Knox).
Norris was written out in 2017 after Hebden suffered a heart attack but after a lengthy break he returned for a handful of episodes and was last seen in May 2020.
Hebden has since revealed that he will not be returning to the show due to his health and according to The Sun, producers have taken the decision to kill off the character.
The newspaper says that scenes for Norris’s funeral have been filmed this week, with characters in attendance including Ken (Bill Roache), Gail (Helen Worth), Mary (Patti Clare) and the returning Claudia (Rula Lenska).
“When Malcolm left the soap he made it clear he would not be returning and bosses took the decision to write him out,” said a source.
“Norris was a huge character for Coronation Street and his funeral will be filled with fun and laughter as well as tears.
“Make no doubt about it, this will be a celebration of all of the best moments Norris had on the cobbles.
“But given his influence and how much he was loved, it is going to be an emotional watch.”
The scenes are due to air in the autumn.
