Malcolm Hebden

Hebden was born in Chester before his family moved to Burnley, Lancashire, three weeks later.[1] He was educated at West Gate High School and began his career as a window dresser in Burnley.[1] He was involved in amateur dramatics groups, one of which included Richard Moore, called The Highcliffe Players.[2] When aged 28, he attended the Rose Bruford Drama School in London[1] before beginning a career in theatre. He found school difficult due to 'severe dyslexia'.[3]

Hebden first appeared in Coronation Street in 1974, as Mavis Riley's (Thelma Barlow) Spanish boyfriend Carlos.[4]

He first appeared as Norris Cole in 1994, a character he based on Whitworth-based Michael Bunnell for his sheer nosiness and ability to get involved in other people's business; he left in 1997, before returning to the role in December 1999. Along with his on-screen business partner Barbara Knox (Rita Sullivan), Hebden won the "Best Onscreen Partnership" award at the British Soap Awards in May 2006. Additionally he won the 'Funniest Character' title for two consecutive years at the 2001 and 2002 Inside Soap Awards. He also made an appearance in Last of the Summer Wine. Hebden had a heart attack in December 2017, and was absent from Coronation Street from December 2017 to April 2019.[5] However, in March 2019, it was announced that Hebden would return briefly in May 2019.[6][7]

• In the British comedy drama series A Bit of a Do, Hebden played the barman in the second episode called "The Dentists Dinner Dance." He was also cast as the same character, in more episodes.
• Hebden was the Associate Director at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, where he featured in 10 premier plays, of playwright Alan Ayckbourn.
• He appears in an episode of The Sandbaggers in 1978.

• Malcolm Hebden on IMDb