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‘Cold Feet’ Star John Thomson Discusses The Impact Of His Male Depression Storyline

'The ripple effect is that people have sought help because of it.'
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‘Cold Feet’ star John Thomson has admitted that he didn’t realise the impact his male depression storyline would have.

Viewers saw his character Pete Gifford struggle with mental health issues, and considering completing suicide in the most recent series, with many taking to Twitter to praise the scenes when they aired.

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John Thomson
Dave J Hogan via Getty Images

Speaking to the Huffington Post UK at the Pride Of Britain Awards, John opened up about the various responses he’s had from fans.

“I’ve had huge reactions,” he said. “People have said they’re depressed, telling me: ‘Your storyline is the most genuine depiction of male depression of a man of that age. I know I’m going through it, I need to do something about it.’

“People have told me they’ve gone to the doctor. I didn’t realise that would be the ripple effect of my portrayal.”

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Pete contemplated ending his life
ITV

“But it’s Mike’s story. Mike Bullen, the show’s writer, went through it,” he continued. “It’s his personal journey that I have played, so I’ve done it justice, people have believed it.

“The ripple effect is that people have sought help because of it. It’s amazing.”

The ‘Cold Feet’ revival was a huge hit with TV fans, and ITV bosses have confirmed that the show will be back again next year.

The finale, in particular, was praised by both viewers and critics, and featured the surprise return of a fan favourite.

Useful websites and helplines:
  • Mind, open Monday to Friday,9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
  • Samaritans offers a listeningservice which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
  • Get Connected is a freeadvice service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@getconnected.org.uk

    • See all the photos from the Pride Of Britain red carpet below... 

    Pride Of Britain Awards Red Carpet
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Olly Murs attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Ferne McCann attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Louis Walsh and Four of Diamonds attend the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards in Partnership with TSB at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. The show will be broadcast on ITV on Tuesday November 1st at 8pm. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: John Thomson attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Emily Middlemas and Ryan Lawrie attend the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Helen Skelton attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Charley Webb attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Mary Berry attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Amanda Byram attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Frankie Bridge attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Sir Chris Hoy and Sarra Kemp attend the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Natalie Anderson attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Candice Brown attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Gloria Hunniford and Sir Cliff Richard attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Ashleigh Butler and Pudsey attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Kimblerley Walsh attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Joe Wicks attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Laura Whitmore attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Alesha Dixon attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Emma Bunton attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: David Seaman with his wife Frankie Poultney attend the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Laura Trott attends the Pride Of Britain Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage) (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Joanne Clifton attends the Pride Of Britain Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage) (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Charlotte Hawkins attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Prime Minister Theresa May with her husband Philip John May attend the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Tom Jones attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Alesha Dixon attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Nicole Scherzinger attends the Pride Of Britain awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Singer Nicola Roberts poses with fans as she attends the Pride Of Britain Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage) (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Richard Hammond and Amanda Etheridge attend the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards in Partnership with TSB at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. The show will be broadcast on ITV on Tuesday November 1st at 8pm. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Simon Cowell attends the Pride Of Britain Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage) (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Ola Jordan attends the Pride Of Britain Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage) (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Harry and Izzy Judd attend the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards in Partnership with TSB at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. The show will be broadcast on ITV on Tuesday November 1st at 8pm. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Les Dennis and Sue Cleaver attend the Pride Of Britain Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Actress Michelle Keegan and husband Mark Wright attend the Pride Of Britain Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage) (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Nicole Scherzinger attends the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards in Partnership with TSB at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. The show will be broadcast on ITV on Tuesday November 1st at 8pm. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Singer James Arthur attends the Pride Of Britain Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage) (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman attend the Pride Of Britain Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage) (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
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    LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Lucy Watson and James Dunmore attend the Pride Of Britain Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 31, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage) (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
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