John Thomson has revealed he was thinking about playing a panto dame before the revival of Cold Feet.

The actor – who starred as Pete Gifford in the much-loved ITV drama from 1998 to 2003 – was considering a pantomime role in Stockport as he needed the money, reported The Daily Mail.

But just as he was weighing it up, John was told that Cold Feet was being revived after 13 years.

The actor was quoted as saying in a featurette on the series DVD: “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, 47, has won praise for his performance in the rebooted drama, which has seen Pete battling depression.

Cold Feet’s sixth series has now ended but it has been renewed and another run is scheduled for next year.