JOHN Thomson admits he has been amazed at the reaction to Cold Feet which has returned to our TV screens after a 13 year absence, writes JOHN ANSON.

Millions tuned in to follow the lives of a group of friends from Manchester and have been transfixed as John’s character, the loveable Pete Gifford, has spiralled into a deep depression after having lost his job.

I’m pleased to report that in real life John is on top form when we meet amid the ornate splendour of Manchester’s Opera House.

He’s there to promote his appearance as Abanazar in Aladdin, the theatre’s big Christmas show.

And appears genuinely stunned at the positive response to Cold Feet.

“It’s amazing to think that there is still so much love out there for us,” he said.

The day after the first episode aired John still had a bit of press to do: "I was on the Chris Evans show and he said ‘you sound a bit overwhelmed’ and I said ‘I am a bit.’

“But it’s so nice to do something where everyone loves it. I think it was when I found out that Cold Feet was the third biggest trend - in the world - on Twitter on the Monday night the show opened that it really hit home. But it doesn’t phase me, I’ve done a good job and if we go again I’ll embark on another good job.

“I love doing it and I think it shows in the programme that we love the work.”

John hopes that the show’s massive success will prompt TV companies to invest more in quality programmes.

“A lot of people have been saying to me with Cold Feet it’s ‘proper telly at last’ and ‘why are there not more shows like this on TV?’

“I’m just hoping that on the back of the popularity of Cold Feet it may shake things up a bit.”

Cold Feet, John says, is an example that quality drama is possible given the backing but accepts that British TV will never be able to compete with the American mini-series when it comes to the size of budgets.

“I think the Americans are in recession denial,” he said, “Every studio seems to bankroll a show, they must have their own money printer. Where do they get it from? We will never have those budgets but I think Cold Feet shows on a lesser budget we can deliver quality.”

From December 9, John will be performing twice a day at the Opera House in Manchester’s biggest pantomime, starring alongside Coronation Street and Benidorm star Sherrie Hewson and A1 singer Ben Adams who will play Aladdin.

“Cold Feet was set in Didsbury, I live in Didsbury and now it’s only 20 minutes for me up the road for this great pantomime at the Opera House. As you can tell, I like playing at home,” he laughed.

“I love pantomime and when I’m not in them, I’d still go and watch them.”

John admits that the recent success of Cold Feet could prove an added attraction.

“I agreed to do Aladdin before Cold Feet so I suppose, in a very self-deprecating manner, they took a punt on me.

“They knew I would be good but profile wise things are very different now than when I signed up to do this.”

John, who has also starred in the Fast Show and is also a successful comedian in his own right, believes he has one of the choice roles.

“Let’s face it, the baddie and the comic in any pantomime are the best parts,” he said. “As Abanazar I get to have great fun with the audience and get away with things. Having done stand-up you get to know an audience and that interaction is so important in a pantomime.”

Aladdin is very much aimed at a family audience - and for many youngsters may be their first experience of live theatre.

“Kids love the colour and spectacle of it all,” he said. “And you must have a live band. I’ve been to pantomimes where all the music has been on tape and it’s awful.

“But this will be a great show. I can’t wait to get into rehearsal as actually I relish the rehearsals as much as doing the show itself.

“I love the way you find your feet during rehearsal and the way you can develop ideas. With pantomime this process happens so quickly. You can be rehearsing and someone makes a mistake but it is so funny that you know you have to leave it in for the show.”

John is confident Aladdin will go down a storm this Christmas.

“I know the audiences in Manchester, they have the best sense of humour,” he said. “If you’ve never been to a pantomime before, it’s a great inter-active night out.

“I know there are a lot of adults who say they won’t go because they don’t want to go on stage.

“They think it’s like a hypnotist show where you go on stage a bell rings and you start to do a chicken impression. But it’s nothing like that.

“There is no coercion. Don’t be afraid. All you have to do is boo, cheer, clap and maybe have a bit of a boogie at the end. Just enjoy yourself. If you've never been before give it a go, you will enjoy it.”

Aladdin runs at Manchester Opera House, from December 9 to Saturday, January 8. For further information telephone 0844-871-3018.