Coronation Street confirms Norris Cole death plot

It's official: Coronation Street has killed off fan-favourite Norris Cole.

Played by actor Malcolm Hebden, Norris made his first appearance in 1994.

The ITV soap has revealed plans for Norris' death storyline, following Hebden's exit from the show after 27 years.

mary taylor confides in norris cole in coronation street

ITV

Last month, characters including Norris' former on-screen wife Mary Taylor (Patti Clare), Ken Barlow (Bill Roache) and Claudia Colby (Rula Lenska) were spotted filming funeral scenes. It has now been confirmed that Norris will die after suffering a stroke.

In next week's double bill, Ken confides in Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox) that Norris wants to meet up as he has some important news.

However, they're shocked to hear from Freda Burgess (Ali Briggs) that Norris has collapsed and been taken to hospital with a suspected stroke.

When Ken, Rita and Mary arrive at the hospital, however, it is too late. They are met by an ashen-faced Freda, who breaks the news that Norris died half an hour ago.

rita tanner confides in norris cole about her memory problems in coronation street

ITV

Ken then reveals that Norris wanted to share some important news with him, knowing he may now never find out what this was.

The episodes conclude with them raising a toast to dearly-departed Norris in the Rovers.

ITV has also announced it will air a special tribute episode to celebrate Norris and Hebden, as they both bid farewell to the cobbles after more than two decades.

Coronation Street Icons: Norris Cole is narrated by Sally Lindsay and will feature interviews with co-stars past and present as well as classic moments from the archives. It also includes an honest and emotional interview with Malcolm Hebden, the man behind Norris.

Coronation Street airs these scenes on Wednesday, September 15 at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV. Coronation Street Icons: Norris Cole airs on September 13 at 8pm.