ITV is reportedly developing plans to bring back Cold Feet, its popular comedy drama about the relationships between three couples.

The show, which ran from 1998 to 2003, focused on the lives of a group of 30-somethings living in Manchester. It was a big hit for the network, and has since aired in over 30 countries. The final episode, which aired in the UK in March 2003, drew an impressive audience of 10.1 million viewers.

The Sun newspaper reports that ITV is now lining up a new series, with the new run earmarked to replace the outgoing Downton Abbey in the Sunday night 9pm slot in 2016.

Talks are said to be under way with key cast members James Nesbitt, John Thomson, Fay Ripley, Robert Bathurst, Hermione Norris and Kimberley Joseph, with the network hoping to film the new episodes early next year.

It is currently unclear if Helen Baxendale, whose character Rachel was killed in a lorry crash in the penultimate episode, would be involved in the new run, should it go ahead.

However, ITV has stayed tight-lipped on the rumoured revival. A spokesperson for the network says of today's reports: "This is speculation as there's always so much interest in a Cold Feet reunion."