Coronation Street legend Malcolm Hebden has revealed that he will not be returning to the soap again.
The 81-year-old has played the role of busybody Norris Cole since 1994 but was forced to leave in 2017 after suffering a heart attack.
Having made a recovery, Hebden made a brief return in 2019 for a storyline that saw Norris move into the Stillwaters retirement home - and now the actor has confirmed that viewers have seen the last of the much-loved character.
"I absolutely adored playing Norris and I was pleased to be able to return briefly after my operation," he told The Sun.
"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."
Corrie's executive producer Iain MacLeod said: "Norris became an all-time great character, whose lemon-lipped barbs will be remembered forever.
"But, in his brilliant double acts with Emily, Rita and more recently Mary, Malcolm has left us with countless fantastic memories."
A soap spokesperson added: "Whilst Malcolm enjoys his retirement at home, Norris will reside at Stillwaters off screen and will continue to be referenced in scripts."
Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV.
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