View Full Version : Malcolm Hebden - Norris Cole
CORRIE's Norris Cole sobs at mum Eunice's graveside - and is shocked to see illegitimate half-brother Ramsay has already laid flowers.
Busybody Norris (Malcolm Hebden) heads to the cemetery as a mark of respect to his mother, who died in 1961.
But Ramsay (Andrew Sachs) - whose name does not even appear on the gravestone - has got there first and left a small bouquet.
He is still there with sweetheart Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire), who has taken him to see her murdered husband's grave.
She is smitten with Ramsay and opens up to him at the cemetery about Ernest in scenes to be shown this summer. He was killed in 1978 by a gunman during a botched robbery after they had been married for six years.
TV Biz revealed last week how Ramsay will break Emily's heart by returning to Australia later this year.
The Sun
LostVoodoo
29-06-2009, 09:58
sounds like a fun day out for all...
Hannelene
05-07-2009, 19:34
How did she die?
We don't know yet but Norris blames Ramsay for the death of his mother and has obviously still not forgiven him. I am sure we will find out soon.
Hannelene
11-07-2009, 12:14
I hope so as it's getting a little pointless if no one explains why all the hatred
pinkles14
16-07-2009, 21:18
I heard that Rasmey is going to die
[He does, he has a heart attack before flying back to Australia. :(
Malcolm Hebden (Norris Cole, Corrie)
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 06:00 BST
By Kris Green, Soaps Editor
Coronation Street's Norris Cole is about to be dealt a tragic blow when he receives the news of his half-brother Ramsay's (Andrew Sachs) death. Over the last three months, Norris - played by 69-year-old Malcolm Hebden - has spurned Ramsay's attempts to build bridges following their mother Eunice's passing, which Norris blames him for. Meanwhile, Emily (Eileen Derbyshire) has fallen for Ramsay's charms in a big way, so his departure and sudden death knocks her for six. Here, DS chats to Malcolm about his latest storyline, Norris's emotional side, reality TV and a potential return for Patty Clare as Mary.
What's it been like working with Andrew Sachs for the past few months?
"It was suggested two or three years ago that Andrew Sachs wanted to be my brother and because we had a change of perhaps two producers in that time, it just got lost in the hundreds of storylines we have. I was talking to our new producer Kim Crowther and said I thought it was a great shame we'd never picked up the Andrew Sachs stuff and she knew nothing of it. She thought it was a great idea and she made it happen. Andrew was very happy to do it.
"I had met Andrew once before and he expressed how keen he was to do it. We got on terribly well. I think it took him a little while to get used to my sense of humour but he did by the time he left! For me, the storyline kicks in once he's dead - that sounds awful - but I was just being dismissive and blocking Ramsay for the first part of the story. I just didn't want anything to do with him. Then Ramsay goes back to Australia and dies on the aeroplane but the fallout is enormous - not just for Norris, but particularly for Emily. She'd become quite fond of Ramsay. He's a civilised man and quite a charming character, whereas Norris isn't. Therefore, I'm going to be terribly unpopular for a little while until Norris realises that he was wrong."
What happens to Norris on the morning of the Charity Fete?
"They've done it terribly well. There's this fun street party going on outside and Norris gets a visit from the police and you don't actually see the police tell him why they're there. So for quite a while, you don't know what he's been told and then it's revealed that Ramsay died on the plane back to Australia. It's later revealed that he died of a brain tumour which he knew he had when he came over here so it makes it even more poignant that Norris totally rejected him."
We'll finally get to see the emotional side of Norris, too, when he visits his mother's grave…
"That's the difficulty for an actor. Norris is so irritating. He blows with the wind - he can behave quite sensibly and then just turn the whole thing upside down. I'm a little bit concerned about him. I haven't seen any of it but that emotional stuff becomes bigger and bigger and bigger. It's just making sure that it's still Norris, though, and ensuring I haven't delved into Chekov's Three Sisters or something. I shall still look like a bald dwarf, I know, and sound the same. We've never seen it before in him. From my point of view, it's more interesting to play - to drop the comedy and go for his actual emotions and feelings. I just hope that Norris is still in there somewhere."
Do you hope Norris will find love again?
"No - he's been married twice and badly scarred on both occasions. To marry Rita would just finish him off. He carries a flame for her but I don't think that will ever happen in terms of soap. The relationship works as it is. There's a few surprises there to come, though."
Apparently there are rumours that Pattie Clare's returning as Mary…
"Yes - Pattie Clare stayed with me the other weekend - and don't read anything into that! She has a big theatre background - many years at Glasgow Citizens Theatre - and we have a lot of friends in common so we've got on terribly well. I think she's really rather special and I certainly have to up my game when I'm working with her!"
What do you enjoy watching on TV when you're not working?
"I enjoy Dragons' Den, Antiques Roadshow and - it's a terrible confession - but I do tend to watch the talent programmes as well. Britain's Got Talent and that sort of thing. I'm not particularly proud of it but I do watch them. I always hope we'll discover someone really, really special. It's very hard to get into the business at all - there isn't the work - and I hope that one day (we haven't done it yet) there will be someone out there and I'll be there when they discover them. I've given up on America's Got Talent with that 4-year-old child on there - that's just obscene. It's just building up for disappointment. She's not going to get a million dollars, she can't work in Vegas, she's just a very sweet child. She will get over the disappointment - we all have - but I think it's just a shame."
Would you ever do a reality show?
"I might have done Strictly Come Dancing at one time but my body's not up to it. That's the only one I would have done - none of the others. I have danced a bit - I used to be able to do that sort of thing but the physicality of it... I did the charity one two or three years ago and that nearly finished me off. Physically it's just very, very demanding."
Corrie's Norris on his backstory, comedy and Rita
Tuesday, August 25 2009, 06:00 BST
By Kris Green, Soaps Editor
I recently caught up with Coronation Street legend Malcolm Hebden about his character Norris's ongoing storyline with his half-brother Ramsay (Andrew Sachs).
The plot takes a predictable-but-poignant twist next week when news reaches Weatherfield of Ramsay's sudden death during his plane journey back to Australia. Ramsay leaves Weatherfield during Thursday's episode of the Manchester drama and during Monday's instalment, the police deliver the devastating news to Norris.
Click here to read what Malcolm has to say about the latest storyline peak in the main part of my interview. However, if you fancy reading more about the the plot's back story, then read on.
What was the truth behind Norris's mother Eunice's death?
"She, of course, was impregnated by a cinema organist in the orchestra pit at the cinema in 1934 and the result of that brief fling was Ramsay. In 1934 you didn't have an illegitimate child - it just wasn't on. So she had him adopted and eventually he was sent to Australia as a lot of children were back then. He had quite a happy childhood with his adoptive parents - they were very good to him, but he wanted to seek out his true birth mother. He found out where she lived and wrote to her constantly but she sent the letters back, unopened. I think she had probably married a bit above herself and become a bit more middle-class. She then had a proper husband and she had me - God help her.
"[Ramsay] eventually came back over to England and the shock of that for Norris's mother was massive. Nobody found out that Ramsay was her illegitimate son, but Norris knew and a year later, she died. She probably died of natural causes but I think she probably had a bit of a breakdown. Ramsay also turned up at her funeral and he and Norris had a terrible showdown about it and Norris said that he never wanted to see him again. Then he obviously finds out that he's ill with a brain tumour and he wants to put things right but Norris won't allow it.
"You can imagine the fall Norris has to come when he finds out that Ramsay has been writing to his mother every month for two years. Norris later finds a letter that his mother had written to Ramsay saying "don't ever write to me again" that Ramsay's carried about with him for 50 years in his wallet. I think it will resonate with quite a lot of people. I don't want to go into my own life but I do have a half-brother who lives in Australia, so when he finds out about this, he'll probably think I came up with the storyline but it's pure coincidence!"
Do you enjoy playing the comedy material?
"Well, I've always played comedy all my career. I was advised by a famous voice coach to go for the comedy - "If you look like you do, go for the comedy!" they said - and I spent many years working for Alan Ayckbourn in Scarborough who writes comedies, usually with a darker undertone. He always used to say "keep the comedy there as long as you can before you deliver the real goods". I shouldn't say "real goods" because I certainly give as much time and attention to playing the comedy as I've done to this new run of more dramatic stuff. It's all the same job."
What's it like working with Barbara Knox?
"Well we both have a similar background, we both come from the theatre and we're both terribly keen to know our material before we go - there's no rehearsal on the Street, but we get together and run it. You have to do that, especially with comedy because comedy is about timing. There's a technique to it and therefore you do need to speak the lines to each other beforehand. Barbara Knox is always willing to do that. We're not bosom mates or anything, we don't see each other outside the show. It's very much a working relationship which, fortunately for both of us, works."
From Digital Spy
Ok so Norris was very upset at Rita being hurt or even dead I think nutbag Mary also coped on that Norris is in love with Rita do you think he will confess all and maybe they get together or maybe Emily could fight Rita for Norris - Norris needs some action :clap:
Chloe O'brien
15-12-2010, 13:56
I hope they don't hook Rita & Norris together. I love them the way they are. They are like an old married couple and work brilliantly together.
I think so too, they work better like they are now, it also gives Mary a reason to hound Norris :D
Rita knows that Norris loves her. He confessed his love to her a few years ago and, I believe, also asked her to marry him. She rejected him.
I like things the way they are now too, especially with Mary added to the mix.
Norris doesnt love Rita as a person. He just wants her as a companion
tammyy2j
16-12-2010, 14:01
Norris doesnt love Rita as a person. He just wants her as a companion
You make her sound like a pet :lol:
he is in hospital
https://www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-news/1269349/actor-malcolm-hebden-coronation-street-norris-cole-sick-ill-health-hospital-vic-reeves-son
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/5401281/malcolm-hebden-norris-cole-coronation-street-break/
He is going to take an extended break for a while... hope he comes back again
parkerman
23-01-2018, 09:03
I think he will get attacked by Phelan....
I think he will get attacked by Phelan....
That would not surprise me one little bit ...then Seb and him will go on the run ....whilst hatching a plan to spring Anna from prison ....
Patti Clare said on This Morning today that Norris looks like being back early next year :cheer::clap::thumbsup:
parkerman
30-10-2018, 12:32
Patti Clare said on This Morning today that Norris looks like being back early next year :cheer::clap::thumbsup:
Thanks Perdy. That's good news. He's been sadly missed.
One Coronation Street icon could hopefully make a return to the cobbles next year.
Malcolm Hebden has played Norris Cole on the ITV soap since 1994, but the actor sadly suffered a heart attack last year. Since then he's been off-screen, and we've heard nothing about a potential return, until today.
Appearing on This Morning, Mary Taylor actress Patti Clare explained: "Norris is in Peru with Emily at the moment. Mary speaks to him often on the phone."
Teasing his possible comeback, she said: "So, there's a faint whisper that he might be back, maybe, next year…"
[B]Digital Spy has reached out to ITV for comment, and will update if we hear more.
Patti also used the interview to shoot down one particular fan theory about Mary and her son Jude Appleton, while the latter's actor Paddy Wallace confirmed that he had filmed his final scenes for the soap, and the 'exit' scenes we witnessed the other day aren't the last we'll see of him.
I guess actors concentrate on their own storylines but I am sometimes surprised how little they know about the others... Viewers know Emily is no longer in Peru but looking after her niece Freda in Edinburgh :)
tammyy2j
31-10-2018, 12:04
Thanks Perdy. That's good news. He's been sadly missed.
Yes Norris is missed
mysangry
02-11-2018, 16:50
any clues as to what is happening with Norris, it was hinted back in 2017 he may be back next year(this year) and as the year is nearly over, any signs?
we could do with his noseyparkering to keep Corri "normal"
parkerman
02-11-2018, 17:36
any clues as to what is happening with Norris, it was hinted back in 2017 he may be back next year(this year) and as the year is nearly over, any signs?
we could do with his noseyparkering to keep Corri "normal"
Try reading Perdy's posts above.
mysangry
02-11-2018, 18:09
Try reading Perdy's posts above.
Think I misread the article I saw Perdita's member of the year date 2017 and thought it was then when NOrris was ill, Doh:rolleyes: I am silly
https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/corrie-legend-norris-coles-set-13639299?fbclid=IwAR08YOGWYd6oraV2qwTfUQao-2F60E6AuPr8SmnLP7_1trogSDz_pbwA90o
Set to return next year hopefully :)
According to The Mirror, Rita is to be betrayed by Norris Cole who sells the Kabin off to Brian and Cathy. This is said to be Malcolm’s return storyline.....
mysangry
09-12-2018, 17:57
Wonder when it will be then?
Wonder when it will be then?
He is meant to come back early next year...
According to The Mirror, Rita is to be betrayed by Norris Cole who sells the Kabin off to Brian and Cathy. This is said to be Malcolm’s return storyline.....
is he sole owner?
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a25612561/coronation-street-cast-norris-cole-malcolm-hebden-return-not-permanent/
His return is only temporary at the moment but glad to see him back :)
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a26568076/coronation-street-norris-cole-return-malcolm-hebden-instagram-first-look/
Back in April for a short time :cheer:
https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/tv/news/corries-norris-cole-will-engaged-freda-returns-cobbles-1185846.html
Norris engaged to Emily Bishop's niece Freda Burgess?? :eek:
mysangry
02-03-2019, 18:00
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a26568076/coronation-street-norris-cole-return-malcolm-hebden-instagram-first-look/
Back in April for a short time :cheer:
oh at last some "real" people, so fed up of pouty over acting just want some normality,
:searchme:
bring it on Corri------FAST:cheer:
Great that Norris is to come back, he really has been a miss, maybe now we can ditch the "Redhead" :moonie: in Ken's life
https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/tv/news/corries-norris-cole-will-engaged-freda-returns-cobbles-1185846.html
Norris engaged to Emily Bishop's niece Freda Burgess?? :eek:
did he divorce mary?
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a27059138/coronation-street-norris-cole-emily-bishop-future/
A new family might be moving into No. 3 on Coronation Street, but it doesn't mean viewers have seen the last of Norris Cole.
Norris has been absent from the cobbles due to actor Malcolm Hebden's bout of ill health, but he's recently been feeling well enough to start filming Corrie again in a guest appearance capacity.
Soap bosses have already revealed Norris will return to the cobbles to announce that he's engaged to Emily Bishop's niece Freda Burgess, and soon after sell off No. 3 to new family the Baileys.
Digital Spy and other media spoke with producer Iain MacLeod on Friday (April 5) all about the new arrivals on the street, yet he was quick to point out this wouldn't mean saying goodbye to Norris.
"One hundred percent Norris is not leaving the show," he said. "We just thought that given the circumstances we find ourselves in, it made sense to put a family in number three but it’s certainly not the end of Norris."
MacLeod also offered an update on the status of long-time cast member Eileen Derbyshire, who has been on hiatus from Coronation Street for the past three years.
"As for Emily, we’re in talks fairly regularly with Eileen but at the moment there’s no plans for her to return but again the door’s certainly not closed there," the producer said.
"But definitely in Norris’s case, the hope on my part and, I think on his, is that we can bring him back in for good."
mysangry
08-04-2019, 17:23
Best news! So sick of the females in the street, Michelle, Sinead, Kate, Abbie, Vicky, Shona, all so damn irratating.
Let's hope Norris is well enough to be around a lot longer, just can't stand all these weeping, scowling, snarling women much longer.
Best news! So sick of the females in the street, Michelle, Sinead, Kate, Abbie, Vicky, Shona, all so damn irratating.
Let's hope Norris is well enough to be around a lot longer, just can't stand all these weeping, scowling, snarling women much longer.
I think it is a short appearance only...
I think it is a short appearance only...
short brief :crying:
mysangry
09-04-2019, 11:14
short brief :crying:
Yes that's what I believed, but I guess little and often as long as Malcolm stays well,must be hard for the older ones to do all this filming, or for anyone who is not in good health.
But maybe Corri could expand Roy's "mini-me" into a role like Norris?
Norris is back! It’s been a long time coming but everyone’s favourite snarky shopkeeper is back – but he is selling The Kabin and engaged to Freda! Mary is going to have to get accustomed to Norris’ life changes but will she be prepared for a divorce? Iain smiled: ‘His return story is pleasantly silly and revisits his relationship with Mary in a meaningful way. I hope Malcolm likes it.’
Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2019/04/12/10-huge-coronation-street-spoilers-in-our-spring-preview-death-twist-big-return-and-shock-exit-9184875/?ito=cbshare
tammyy2j
07-05-2019, 14:55
It is good to have Norris back but did Emily give him the house that he is selling it or did he part buy it?
It is good to have Norris back but did Emily give him the house that he is selling it or did he part buy it?
I think he bought it ....
where is all emily's belongings, in bin bags for charity?
parkerman
07-05-2019, 20:26
I think he bought it ....
I can't remember what happened here. When did he buy it?
I can't remember what happened here. When did he buy it?
He did not actually buy it but Norris began to worry about the possibility that he would have nowhere to live following Emily's death and so she signed the house over to him on the condition that she continued to reside there.
He did not actually buy it but Norris began to worry about the possibility that he would have nowhere to live following Emily's death and so she signed the house over to him on the condition that she continued to reside there.
Well, he can't sell it then without her permission.
Well, he can't sell it then without her permission.
Norris is the legal owner but would have to sell the house with sitting tenant, I would imagine. Although Emily might have changed her mind about wanting to live there as she is now in Scotland and I doubt that Eileen Derbyshire will return as Emily ...
They have made Mary into an idiot that is not likeable anymore
Malcolm has been spotted on set ... looks like he is back, hopefully for good :)
mysangry
01-02-2020, 17:46
yayyyyyyyyyyyyy :heart:
would love to see him and Evelyn having a good bitch about everything, let them speak what many think but is to scared to say:cheer:
just need some characters who would portray the older people of today many don't agree with Political Correctness in every department, I know the senior citizens have more to say but are to worried to say a word.
Think Corri can portray situations that are happening behind doors, hence Jeff and Yasmin, so why not the chit chat that also happens!!
Stop tippy toeing around Corri, be daring,:clap:
malcolm has retired, wish him well
https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/a37232075/coronation-street-norris-cole-death-funeral-filming-pictures/
Coronation Street has reportedly killed off fan-favourite character Norris Cole.
Actor Malcolm Hebden has been on the long-running soap for 27 years, but announced earlier this year that he had quit.
Now, characters including Norris' former on-screen wife Mary Taylor (Patti Clare), Ken Barlow (Bill Roache) and Claudia Colby (Rula Lenska) have been spotted filming funeral scenes.
The pictures led to speculation that a popular character had been killed off, and with some fans spotting Mary dressed as Star Wars character Princess Leia, it's rumoured to be Norris who has sadly departed.
A spokesperson for Coronation Street has declined to comment on the rumours.
Hebden quit acting in 2017 following a heart attack, but his character continued making cameo appearances until June 2019 when he went to live at Stillwater Retirement Home.
Speaking of his decision to retire, the actor previously explained: "Most of December [2017] I was in an induced coma, in the care of these brilliant, wonderful people at the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU).
"Fortunately I didn't realise how bad it was; I was dying. The cardiac team, headed by Mr [Joseph] Zacharias, simply saved my life."
He added: "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."
A Corrie spokesperson added at the time: "Malcolm made the decision to retire and leave the show during the summer of 2020 for health reasons."
Norris joined the soap in 1997, and one of his most memorable storylines featured Mary holding him hostage Misery-style.
The pair did later become close friends, even getting married albeit for a competition.
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.
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.
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.
Digital Spy
:crying:
did norris marry freda and had he any family, was emily and mavis told?
did norris marry freda and had he any family, was emily and mavis told?
Norris and Freda never married and Ken was going to phone Mavis and Emily when they were at the hospital and found out they were too late
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