Coronation Street star Malcolm Hebden, who plays Norris Cole, is taking a break from the show.

The 78-year-old first appeared in the soap as the much-loved character in 1994.

Before being cast as Norris, who works in The Kabin,  he played another Weatherfield character, Carlos, in 1974.

The Sun quoted an ITV source as saying that the Chester-born actor, known for his busybody alter-ego, is currently away from the soap and “bosses do not know when he will be back”.

Talking about his classic character, Hebden previously told the Manchester Evening News: “I quite enjoy making people laugh. And children seem to like Norris. Perhaps he reminds them of their grandad.”