Norris Cole (Coronation Street)
Norris Cole | |
---|---|
Coronation Street character | |
Angela Catchpole (1995–1999) (2017–2019)Mary Taylor |
Norris Cole was a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Malcolm Hebden. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 11 March 1994. Hebden had previously played the role of Carlos, Mavis Riley's (Thelma Barlow) Spanish boyfriend, in one episode in 1974. Norris appeared on a recurring basis, until he was written out in April 1997 by Brian Park. However, two years later; the character was reintroduced on a regular basis. Hebden continued to appear on the soap until December 2017 after suffering a heart attack. Following his recovery, he made several guest returns, before his retirement from acting in January 2021 due to his health. The character was killed off-screen on 15 September 2021.
Storylines
Derek Wilton (Peter Baldwin) is surprised when Norris turns up; the man who gave him a lift home from the motorway service station when he missed the coach from London. He explains he's taken Derek's advice, left his wife and has come to stay. Mavis Wilton (Thelma Barlow) is put out as he keeps calling Derek "Dirk". Mavis doesn't want to throw Norris out as he might do Derek's morale some good. Derek tells Mavis that he's sure Norris will help him in his career.
Norris develops a reputation as a fusspot and a busybody, but his inquisitive nature sometimes works to advantage, as when he guessed that serial killer Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) was after Emily Bishop's (Eileen Derbyshire) money and wanted her dead. Only he and Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) realised Richard's true nature, but no one believed them, and it was not until later that the full story emerged.
When Mary's mother dies, she is able to spend more time with Norris, but he remains unsure about their relationship. She then invites him to accompany her on a world cruise, paid for with her inheritance. Norris agrees but is nervous and is shocked by Rita's engagement to
Norris' half-brother,
When Norris shows signs of tiredness, Mary suggests that she does some work in the Kabin so he can take a break. She enters a competition for them to win a week at a cottage in the countryside and wins, persuading Norris to come with her. Norris realises that Mary is trying to ensure that he cannot escape and even hears Mary mention the idea of them getting married; a horrific thought for Norris. She then breaks his glasses, leaving him more or less housebound, as his eyesight is quite poor. He attempts to escape from the cottage but Mary tracks him down. Eventually, he contacts the police telling them that Mary is holding him captive. No charges are brought against her, and Norris subsequently makes up with her.
Norris is not pleased when Emily allows
Norris becomes supportive to Mary after finding out she was raped in her teenage years and conceived a son, whom her mother forced her to give up. Norris and several residents help Mary find her son
Norris leaves to stay with Emily in
Casting
Auditions were held for the part of Norris, with actor Malcolm Hebden going on to secure the role. After leaving the series in 1997, Hebden returned to filming with the series in 1999 and has remained on the show permanently until 2017. In 2009, it was noted that the character of Norris has become one of the show's most recognisable characters.[2] Norris was written out along with several other characters as part of a large cast cull in 1997. However, the character was reintroduced two years later in 1999, on a more regular basis than previously. Hebden has said he is surprised by Norris having a fanbase, he said: "Norris is a very popular character in general though, and he's also very popular with children, which surprises me. I would have thought he'd get on our nerves, but he doesn't."[3] He went on to say: "For some unknown reason, Norris is immensely popular with children, though I never understand why. Is he the granddad they've always wanted to poke fun at? He's always wrong, but most of my letters are from young people, which is lovely. I think they feel safe with him because he's a loser!".[4]
Development
Mary Taylor
In May 2009, it was announced that Patti Clare, who plays Mary Taylor, had been written out of the soap. A spokesperson for Coronation Street said: "The affected actors were all involved in storylines that were due to run for a finite time. If every new character stayed in the show, the Street would be a little crowded to say the least."[5] It was then rumored that Clare would be returning; Hebden revealed these rumours were true.[6][7] Hebden praised Mary and Norris, he said: "I think when Patti and I get together it's comedy all the way. We love working together which is a good start for comedy. Oddly enough, you can play a love relationship with someone you hate - I've done it - but comedy you can't do. So I love her to death and it helps with the comedy."[8] Hebden also revealed that Mary should stay in the soap for good.[9] In September 2009, it was announced Clare was to reprise her role as Mary. A spokesperson confirmed: "Mary will be back to rekindle her relationship with Norris."[7] On 18 February 2010, it was announced that Norris would be held captive by Mary in a Misery-style storyline, speaking of the storyline a Coronation Street source told The Mirror: "Mary convinces herself they are reincarnations of Heathcliffe and Cathy and keeps trying to share his bed. Norris escapes to a phone box. When Mary arrives he tries to run and hide but falls and sprains his ankle. Mary refuses to take him to hospital and returns him to the cottage telling him, 'The more helpless you are the stronger I get'.[10]
Ramsay Clegg
On 5 January 2009, it was announced that former
Departure and returns
On 23 January 2018, it was reported that Hebden would not be seen onscreen for a short period after last appearing on screen in early December 2017.
Norris returned briefly two months later during the episode that aired on 9 December 2019, and in 2020, he returned for a few stints before departing on 24 June, his final appearance.[19] In January 2021, Hebden announced that he had retired the previous year, and stated that he will not be returning to Coronation Street. He stated that his "mind was willing" to return, but that acting took a physical strain on his body. It was also confirmed that Norris will still be referenced in scripts, and that his onscreen absence will be explained through Norris living at Stillwaters retirement home.[20] In August 2021, it was announced that the character of Norris would be killed off and an on-screen funeral held.[21]
In other media
A trailer for promotion of the Coronation Street website on ITV, which was released in July 2009 to air on television, portrays Norris as James Bond, using high-tech devices to spy on many of his neighbours, in reference to his character's curiosity to know everyone's business in the street.[22]
Reception
Malcolm Hebden was nominated for "Best Comedy Performance" for his portrayal of Norris at The British Soap Awards 2002.[23] Hebden was also nominated for "Funniest Performance" at the 2010 Inside Soap Awards.[24]
References
- ^ Press Editor (2008). "ITV Press Center - Coronation Street". ITV.com. Retrieved 30 May 2009.
{{cite web}}
:|author=
has generic name (help) - ^ Daniel Kilkelly (30 May 2009). "Hebden surprised by Corrie fanbase". Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 May 2009.
- ^ "Hebden surprised by Corrie fanbase - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 30 May 2009. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ^ "Corrie's Hebden: 'Children love Norris' - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 20 October 2010. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ^ Green, Kris (6 May 2009). "Corrie bosses deny character cost cuts - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ^ a b "Malcolm Hebden (Norris Cole, Corrie) - Coronation Street Interview - Soaps". Digital Spy. 25 August 2009. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ^ a b "Patti Clare to make Corrie comeback - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 9 September 2009. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ^ "Corrie's Hebden praises co-star Clare - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 4 January 2010. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ^ "Hebden: 'Mary should stay in Corrie' - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 30 April 2010. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ^ "'Misery' plot horror for Corrie's Norris - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 18 February 2010. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ^ "'Coronation Street' confirm Sachs casting - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 5 January 2009. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ^ "Sachs: 'Corrie idea goes back five years' - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 5 May 2009. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ^ "Sachs was 'scared' over Corrie part - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 10 May 2009. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ^ Harp, Justin (23 January 2018). "Corrie's Norris Cole actor 'takes break from soap'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
- ^ Seddon, Dan (5 July 2018). "Corrie fan favourite recovering from heart attack". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
- ^ Joe Anderton (30 October 2018). "Corrie star teases Norris Cole return". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
- ^ Lee, Jess (26 November 2018). "Corrie confirms return for Malcolm Hebden as Norris". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
- ^ Dainty, Sophie (18 December 2018). "Coronation Street confirms that Norris Cole's return isn't permanent". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 9 March 2020.
- ^ Beaney, Abigail (22 January 2021). "No more Norris! Coronation Street actor Malcolm Hebden retires from screen". Lancashire Telegraph.
- ^ Duff, Seamus (5 August 2021). "Iconic Coronation Street character Norris Cole killed off as pals gather for funeral". ]Daily Mirror. Reach plc. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
- ^ "Coronation Street | CoronationStreet.com trailer - ITV Soaps". Itv.com. Retrieved 10 July 2009.
- ^ Welsh, James (16 May 2002). "British Soap Awards 2002: Nominations - TV Feature". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
- ^ Wightman, Catriona (13 July 2010). "In Full: Inside Soap Awards 2010 Nominees - Soaps News". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 August 2012.