Production begins on the new series of Cold Feet
- After a 13 year break, production is now underway on Series 6 of Cold Feet
- James Nesbitt, Robert Bathurst, Hermione Norris, John Thomson and Fay Ripley are back
- James Bolam is amongst the stars joining the new 8-part series
The cast of ITV comedy drama Cold Feet have reunited for the first time in 13 years as production begins on a new series of the show.
James Nesbitt, Robert Bathurst, Hermione Norris, John Thomson, and Fay Ripley all attended a read-through in central London, ahead of filming beginning in Manchester next month.
Original cast member Helen Baxendale, who played Rachel Bradley was not present however, as her character died in the last series.
It was revealed at the read-through that Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? star James Bolam, plus Karen David, Leanne Best and Art Malik, will take significant roles in the new series. Details of their characters are being kept confidential at present.
ITV says: "The nation's love affair with Cold Feet began in 1997 when the television audience was first introduced to friends Adam and Rachel, Pete and Jenny, Karen and David. Thirty-three episodes and five series later and our favourite couples had earned themselves a place in television history. We will rejoin the characters in 2016 with stories written and conceived once again by Mike Bullen."
Talking about the new series, the network says: "Many questions will be answered. How has Adam coped without his soulmate, Rachel, raising their son, Matthew, on his own? Do Pete and Jenny still spend their evenings on the sofa, in domestic bliss? And what of David and Karen who had split up. With three children between them, are the ties that bind them still strong?
"When we last engaged with our heroes they were on the cusp of change, growing up and settling down. They'd hoped that by the time they were approaching 50 their lives would be simpler. Well, now they're there, they're discovering that it isn't. The issues they face are different but just as challenging. They still have many years to live, but can't escape the niggling fear that their futures are behind them."
Creator Mike Bullen comments: "This feels like the right time to revisit these characters, as they tip-toe through the minefield of middle age. They're 50, but still feel 30, apart from on the morning after the night before, when they really feel their age. They've still got lots of life to look forward to, though they're not necessarily the years one looks forward to!"
Speaking about his return to the role of Pete, John Thomson says: "I'm delighted to be part of the new series of Cold Feet. Since it finished almost 13 years ago, the demand for its return from the general public has been overwhelming. It's fantastic to deliver such a brilliant show to an audience who hold it so dear to their hearts."
James Nesbitt saw the funny side of reprising his role as Adam: "Cold Feet was such a big part of my life. I can't wait to see all my old friends and find out if Adam is still as big an eejit as I still am."
Fay Ripley talked of her feelings about returning to the role of Jenny: "In my world, Cold Feet never really went away. It's the show that people constantly reference and finally I can say: 'Yes it's coming back!'. Revisiting Jenny feels a bit like bumping into an old friend. Getting to know her again is going to be a laugh. I just hope that by the time I finish filming I don't want to delete her number!"
Robert Bathurst was typically philosophical about returning to his role as David: "We haven't been away for 13 years, it's just that the cameras haven't been with us. I expect David will be older but not wiser; doing his best but still making hopeless decisions."
Hermione Norris, who returns as Karen, shared her delight at reuniting: "I'm delighted to be returning to Cold Feet and to see everyone together after all these years. Mike Bullen's scripts were always insightful and unpredictable and I'm excited to discover what's happened to all the characters 13 years on and who they've become."
ITV's Steve November adds: "We're delighted to be re-visiting Cold Feet for a new generation. Like any reunion we'll be looking forward to working with Mike Bullen on his wonderfully heartfelt and funny scripts and learning how the characters' lives have changed over the years."
The new episodes will be shown on ITV later this year.