Coronation Street actor Malcolm Hebden is recovering after being admitted to hospital. According to The Mirror, the 78-year-old, who plays Norris Cole on the ITV soap, fell ill and required treatment from doctors. News of his hopsitalisation led to panic among fans of the popular actor, following inaccurate repots that he had died. His friend and costar Sally Ann Matthews - who plays Jenny Bradley - took to Twitter to reassure fans that the story was 'thankfully not' true.
There is currently no more news on his condition, but the actor is said to now be on the mend. Malcom previously suffered a health scare in 2012, when he was taken to A&E for tests after falling ill on the Coronation Street set. He was later back filming a few hours later, the newspaper reports.
Norris Cole actor Malcolm Hebden was taken ill in hospital
Malcolm has played loveable Norris since 1994. The character is much-loved for his comedic lines and chemistry with Mary Taylor – played by Patti Clare - and Rita Sullivan – played by Barbara Knox. Malcolm and Barbara even took away the award for Best Onscreen Partnership at the British Soap Awards in 2006. Norris was also named the 'Funniest Character' at the Inside Soap Awards in 2001 and 2002.
Norris and Mary are much-loved for their on-screen chemistry
Prior to playing Norris, the actor appeared in the soap in 1974 as Carlos – the Spanish boyfriend of Mavis Riley. Norris' notable storylines over the past few years include him being kidnapped by Mary during a holiday in a remote cottage back in 2010. Malcolm spoke out about his co-star to Inside Soap, praising her for making the show "really special". He said: "Patti Clare, who plays her, is a real find. I want her to hang around as long as possible, because what she brings to the show is really special. She's such an inventive actress."
In more recent years, Norris has been Mary's rock during difficult times. The florist broke down in tears after telling her friend that she had been raped as a teenager and forced to abandon her baby in 2016, which saw the two actors praised for their performance. In December, meanwhile, loyal Norris dressed up as Batman in protest again Jude and Angie from taking Mary's grandson George back to South Africa.