Norris Cole (Coronation Street)

Norris Benjamin Cole, played by Malcolm Hebden, is a fictional character on the soap opera Coronation Street. Norris first appeared in 1994 but left in 1997, only to return in 1999. He continues in the series to the present day. He has lived for several years as a lodger of Emily Bishop at 3 Coronation Street.

Storylines

Norris came into the series after rescuing Derek Wilton when his car broke down. He was at that time a travelling salesman. He saw Derek as a friend (he mistakenly called him Dirk quite often), and imposed himself on Derek and his wife Mavis at every opportunity. Eventually, he stole Derek's position as a senior salesman and married Derek's ex-wife, Angela. They were soon divorced, however, and Norris ended up as a door-to-door salesman. He returned to the street for Derek's funeral after he died of a heart attack after a road rage incident, which was how he arrived in Rita Sullivan's shop, where he now works. He and Rita form the traditional shop comedy double-act. He has a big ego and an inaccurate view of his own potential. He has attempted to find work elsewhere (and even went as far as claiming he was 46 years old on application forms) but was unsuccessful.

Norris is portrayed with a camp persona. He has got into many scrapes due to his nosiness and his constant gossiping. It was due to this reputation that no one believed his suspicions about Richard Hillman.

On the 2 September 2007, Norris proposed to Rita, with Rita declining Norris's proposal. On 25th November Norris proposed to Doreen Fenwick before he found out that both George and Ivor had also proposed to her. She told them all that she will think about their proposals whilst Rita described them all as mad as each other.