Cold Feet star John Thomson was set to star as a PANTO DAME because he was so strapped for cash when he got the call to appear in the show's revival

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He has been praised for his portrayal of dealing with depression in the new series of Cold Feet, so it is perhaps no surprise John Thomson describes the ITV drama as 'one of the best things I have ever done'.

The 47-year-old actor from Manchester has been back on TV screens in the role of Pete Gifford, and now, as the new series is released on DVD, he has revealed why it meant so much to him to return to the cast after a 13 year break.

In behind the scenes interviews which are included as extra features on the series DVD, John admits he needed the salary the show offered.

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John Thomson recalls his feeling of relief when he heard Cold Feet was returning in a behind the scenes interview, and admits he 'needed the money'

John is reunited with old friend James Nesbitt as the pair reprise their roles as Pete and Adam after a 13 year break

He said: 'I remember I was on a train speaking to my agent and I said "what are your thoughts on Stockport panto, me playing the Dame?"

'And he said "I don't think you should do it". I said "hang on, I am not in a position to do that, I need the money!"

'He said "not with what's come in... it's Cold Feet".'

John said he couldn't believe that a return of the show was in the works, but that it was made possible thanks to writer and creator Mike Bullen deciding the time was right to return to the characters.

While John has been kept busy with TV and film roles since the original Cold Feet run ended 13 years ago, Pete is arguably still the part he is best known for.

In the new series of Cold Feet, he was given one of the most hard-hitting storylines as Mike said he was keen to explore mental health issues following his own mid-life battle with depression. 

He decided John's character Pete would be the one to struggle with his mental health, but admitted he was unable to watch the scenes himself. 

John has been praised for his portrayal of Pete's battle with depression on the latest series

The cast back together: From left Fay Ripley, James Nesbitt, Hermione Norris, Robert Bathurst and John Thomson

Mike described John's portrayal of Pete's battle as 'brilliant - vulnerable and human', and plenty of viewers were equally moved by the performance. 

Fans took to Twitter after the show aired to praise John's portrayal. 

Among them was @Amanda13Jane, who wrote: 'Just caught up with #coldfeet. Not only is it exquisite in every way - its simple depiction of depression is accurate and heartbreaking.' 

@KerryMichelle_  added: '@JohnnyThomson2 's performance tonight was beautiful. Wonderfully handled #depression storyline. Well done all involved.' 

As they were, with Helen Baxendale, left, who hasn't returned as her character was killed off

‏@LauraBallPA agreed, saying: 'So pleased how @_mikebullen #coldfeet has highlighted how silent depression can be in someone's life. Wonderful acting @JohnnyThomson2.' 

@laurajgraham applauded too, writing: 'Heartfelt scenes tonight #ColdFeet tackling #depression . Great writing, direction @ITV & superb acting.'  

‏@sixty_thirty praised the representation of mental health issues, saying: 'Strength comes from awareness. Thank you #ColdFeet for shining the light on #depression in such an honest way. Moving work @JohnnyThomson2!' 

And ‏@SUtayl agreed: '#ColdFeet Really great episode tonight. Left me in tears. Could totally relate to Pete's depression. #mentalhealthawareness'

Fay Ripley also shares her views on the revival in the DVD extras

John said as a result he believes 'in the history of my work, Cold Feet is probably one of the best things I have ever done, if not the best.'

However, he added that while some of his scenes have been serious, he can still always been relied on to make his co-stars laugh on set.

He said: 'We are all older and wiser now. Jimmy and me don't go out partying anymore, we do our socialising on set.

Fay said she got giddy around actor Ceallach Spellman, 21, who plays Adam (James Nesbitt) and the late Rachel's (Helen Baxendale) teenage son Matthew, left

'If I sense a mood on set I make a joke as I am the class clown still.'

Meanwhile Fay Ripley, who plays Pete's wife Jenny, reveals in the behind the scenes interviews that she loved being reunited with her old friends.

She added that she was also delighted to meet the new actors on set, including Ceallach Spellman, 21, who plays Adam (James Nesbitt) and the late Rachel's (Helen Baxendale) teenage son Matthew.

The return of the show has been a hit and now a seventh series has been ordered

Fay, 50, joked: 'I am quite giddy around him but have to be careful it is all appropriate so I don't look too claw-y.'

The new series was so well-received by critics and viewers, pulling in seven million viewers on average, ITV has already commissioned another series to be filmed in 2017. 

Meanwhile, John has still got his chance to do panto. He will star in Aladdin at the Opera House in Manchester this festive season. 

Cold Feet Series 6 is distributed by ITV Studios Global Entertainment and is available to now pre-order from Amazon.co.uk and own now on iTunes