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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Gogglebox star's perfect response to Coronation Street death news which left viewers in tears

A Gogglebox star had a very sweet response to news that a Coronation Street legend had died.

Viewers of the ITV soap tuned in on Wednesday night and discovered that Norris Cole had suddenly passed away following a stroke.

Malcolm Hebden, who played Weatherfield's biggest gossip, retired from Corrie in January after 27 years.

But his official exit played out on screens last night - leaving viewers in tears.

READ MORE: Corrie's Alina confirms soap exit with message as she cuddles Tyrone

During the emotional episodes, Ken Barlow was back and was speaking to Rita Tanner about a text he had received from Norris which said he had something important to tell him.

Ken was unsure whether to go to the retirement home and briefly put off responding to his pal.

After finally deciding to give him a call, Ken was met with a paramedic on the other end of the phone, telling him Norris had collapsed with a suspected stroke.

Rita was heartbroken by the news (ITV)

Ken, Rita, and Mary Taylor quickly headed off to the hospital but were left devastated when Norris' wife Freda told them he had passed away a short while ago.

They were told Norris collapsed with his telephoto lens around his neck, trying to catch Ken's ex Claudia Colby having an affair with the retirement home’s chairman, Charles.

As they sat outside the hospital, an emotional Rita reminisced about her partner-in-crime.

Later, at the Rovers, Rita was heartbroken as she told Jenny: "I'm sad because I've lost one of the best friends in my life."

Gogglebox star Izzi Warner was among viewers reacting to the heartbreaking scenes.

"A man after my own heart, rest in peace another Corrie great," she posted on Coronation Street's Instagram page.

Gogglebox star Izzi Warner was a fan of the iconic character (Izzi Warner Instagram)

A fan added: "Oh my crying my eyes out, poor Rita."

"Aww such a sad episode tonight but so lovely at the same time RIP Norris," another said.

A third commented: "R.I.P Norris the street won’t be the same without you."

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