Coronation Street SPOILER: Norris Cole to DIE off-screen after 27 years on the soap

Ken Barlow and Rita Tanner are left devastated in Coronation Street next week at the shock news Norris Cole has died

The former newsagent, who was played by actor Malcolm Hebden, was last seen in Weatherfield in June last year, and will pass away off-screen over 27 years after his first scenes were aired in 1994.

Norris became a fan favourite thanks to his love of a good gossip with locals, and became best pals with both Rita (Barbara Knox) and Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire).

Goodbye: The residents of Weatherfield are left devastated at the news former newsagent Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) has died after a stroke in scenes set to air next week

Norris married Mary Taylor, played by Pattie Clare, in 2017 before divorcing her a year later so he could wed Emily’s niece Freda Burgess (Ali Briggs).

The couple had been living in the Stillwaters retirement home since they married but, in the upcoming episode, it will be revealed Norris has died.

Rita will receive a call to tell her that Norris is in hospital, with doctors saying a stroke caused him to fall.

Peacemaker: Rita (Barbara Knox) is left to keep the peace as Norris’ loved ones struggle to agree on the final arrangements for his funeral

She and her friend Ken Barlow (William Roache) will be seen heading to the hospital to visit Norris.

They are given the sad news he has died when they arrive by his wife Freda, and later head back to the Rovers Return to raise a toast for their friend.

Returning to the Street, Norris’ loved ones begin planning for the funeral. 

Frantic: Rita and her friend Ken Barlow (William Roache) will be seen heading to the hospital to visit Norris but they arrive too late

Things are fraught between widowed Freda and Norris’ ex Mary as they try to make arrangements for the day.

And Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell) is left upset when she realises her son Aled’s operation could be on the same day.

Actor Malcolm announced he was bidding farewell to character Norris in January this year when he revealed his retirement plans after 27 years on the soap.

The actor who first joined the ITV soap in 1994, has only made a handful of appearances on the cobbles since recovering from a near-fatal heart attack in 2017.

He told The Sun earlier this year: ‘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.’

Bosses have also confirmed that a one-off special will air on ITV on Monday looking back at Norris’ best moments.

Coronation Street airs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30pm and 8:30pm on ITV.

Goodbye Norris: Coronation Street star Malcolm Hebden has bid a fond farewell to his character Norris Cole as he announced his retirement in January after 27 years on the soap