The stars of Cold Feet have reportedly signed up to appear in a revival of the hit comedy drama.

The massively successful ITV show ran for five series between 1998 and 2003.

It followed three 30-something couples living in Manchester as they settled down, and followed them through the ups and downs of their relationships, from marriage and affairs, to redundancy and starting a family.

Original cast members James Nesbitt, Hermione Norris, Fay Ripley, John Thomson and Robert Bathurst are all thought to be on board for the new series, catching up with the friends 12 years on, according to The Sun.

James Nesbitt, Hermione Norris, Fay Ripley, John Thomson, Helen Baxendale and Robert Bathurst in 2000
James Nesbitt, Hermione Norris, Fay Ripley, John Thomson, Helen Baxendale and Robert Bathurst in 2000 (Emma Harris/PA)

Helen Baxendale’s character Rachel was killed off in a car crash in a shock plot twist in 2003.

A source told the newspaper, “the deal is very nearly done”.

Filming would begin next year, with plans for the series to fill the Sunday night autumn drama slot left by Downton Abbey, which is about to air its final series.

All the Cold Feet cast were relatively unknown before starring in the show, but have gone on to have long and successful careers in TV.

James, 50, landed a major role in Peter Jackson’s three-part film adaptation of The Hobbit and recently starred in award-winning drama The Missing.

The Cold Feet couples attend Rachel's funeral
Helen Baxendale’s character was killed off in the last series (Granada TV)

Helen crossed the Atlantic to appear in US sitcom Friends as Ross Geller’s British love interest and Hermione went on to star in hit BBC drama Spooks.

Fast Show funnyman John had a role in Coronation Street and Robert appeared in Downton Abbey.

Fay has had a successful career as a food writer and last year starred in Channel 5 cop show Suspects.

A spokeswoman for ITV said: “This is speculation as there’s always so much interest in a Cold Feet reunion.”