ITV orders seventh season of dramedy 'Cold Feet'

LONDON, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- ITV says it has ordered eight more episodes of its iconic dramedy Cold Feet, with production to resume in Manchester in March.

The show returned for a sixth season last month after a 13-year absence. It was met with high ratings, excellent reviews and enthusiasm on social media.

Written and created by Mike Bullen, the series stars James Nesbitt, Hermione Norris, Robert Bathurst, John Thomson and Fay Ripley.

"It's with some trepidation that you return to much-loved shows, but Mike Bullen's contemporary take on the five friends and their lives has been a wonderful thing, with every bit of the warmth, humor, emotion and chemistry that makes Cold Feet such a special, and hugely enjoyable drama," Kevin Lygo, ITV's director of television, said in a statement. "We were obviously delighted that the audience agreed, and we're pleased to be able to confirm that Cold Feet will return again for a further series."

"We have been incredibly humbled by the astonishing reaction from viewers and critics alike. The challenge of bringing back a much-loved show was extremely daunting, so it's incredibly satisfying to be asked to make another series with Mike Bullen, Jimmy, Hermione, Robert, John, Fay and the rest of our incredible cast and awesome Manchester crew," added Kenton Allen, executive producer and chief executive officer of Big Talk Productions.

"We all said we only wanted to bring Cold Feet back if we could maintain the standard previously set. I've been blown away by the show's reception among viewers and critics alike. It has exceeded even my hopes. This recommission confirms that we didn't screw it up. I shall take a moment to bask in the warm glow... OK, done that. Now the hard graft resumes," Bullen said.