'Norris Cole has NOT died': Coronation Street legend Malcolm Hebden, 78, falls victim to sick death hoax... leaving fans shocked and appalled

By Ciara Farmer and Connie Rusk For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Coronation Street veteran Malcolm Hebden has falled victim to a death hoax, after a US website incorrectly reported he had passed away. 

Concerned fans soon swarmed Twitter to share their grief and worry before his co-star Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Jenny Bradley in the soap, slammed the rumours as she penned: 'Thankfully not' in response to a worried fan. 

The 78-year-old soap favourite, who plays Norris Cole in the show, was flooded with concern from fans who hit out at the false reports once it became apparent he was in fact alive and well, as confirmed by a Coronation Street spokesperson.

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Shock: Coronation Street's Malcolm 'Norris' Hebden, 78, revealed he had 'multiple' heart attacks which left him in an induced coma and 'close to dying'

Simply not true: Coronation Street veteran Malcolm Hebden has fallen victim to a death hoax, after a US website falsely reported he had passed away

Malcolm landed the role of Norris back in 1994, when open auditions were held for the busy-body character and after leaving the series in 1997, he returned to the show in 1999 and has remained on the show ever since.

Firmly holding a place as one of the soap's favourite characters, the reaction to the news was naturally started with devastation and led to widespread relief. 

Users penned: 'Thankfully it's looking like the death of #MalcolmHebden is #FakeNews #NorrisCole #CoronationStreet... Malcolm Hebden aka Norris Cole from Corrie has NOT died. Just a fake article doing it's rounds. Sick people... 

'So people are believing a fake news site why would a newspaper in Florida announce the death of a star he someone’s father grandad etc not nice for his family to be reading if malcolm had died I’m sure corrie would make an official statement...

Health scare: Malcolm landed the role of Norris back in 1994, when open auditions were held for the busy-body character and after leaving the series in 1997, he returned to the show in 1999 and has remained on the show ever since

Health scare: Malcolm landed the role of Norris back in 1994, when open auditions were held for the busy-body character and after leaving the series in 1997, he returned to the show in 1999 and has remained on the show ever since

Fears: It was previously incorrectly reported that Malcolm had passed away 

Fears: Firmly holding a place as one of the soap's favourite characters, the reaction to the news was naturally started with devastation and led to widespread relief

'To assure fans, I've just been told tonight by Corrie that the rumours that Malcolm Hebden has passed away are in fact untrue... I keep seeing tweets regarding 'news' that Malcolm has passed away, but not seen anything official, nor confirmed....

'All I can say is, until it's confirmed by ITV or someone official, he is still alive. Saw posts he's been hospitalised, but still alive'. 

'@itvcorrie there's a Facebook page doing the rounds saying Malcolm Hebden has passed away. Can someone confirm that this is a sick hoax please? Thanks!... 

'Can anyone confirm that Malcolm Hebden, aka Norris Cole from @itvcorrie has died???? @digitalspy so sad if true... What’s all this about Malcolm Hebden'.  

Popular: In 2009 it was noted that the character of Norris has become one of the show's most recognisable characters

Popular: In 2009 it was noted that the character of Norris has become one of the show's most recognisable characters

On the mend: In 2009, it was noted that the character of Norris has become one of the show's most recognisable characters

On the mend: In 2009, it was noted that the character of Norris has become one of the show's most recognisable characters

In 2009, it was noted that the character of Norris has become one of the show's most recognisable characters. 

And over the two decades, Norris has had his fair share of drama. Back in 2010, he was held captive by admirer Mary Taylor and last year he was dropped with a paternity bombshell after discovering he could have a secret son in Weatherfield. 

MailOnline has contacted a Corrie spokesperson for comment.

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