Is this the end for Cold Feet?

Despite claiming this week's forthcoming episode of Cold Feet, which will centre around Rachel's funeral, is the last ever television chiefs have already started working on how the show could come back for another series.

The moment is from the final episode to be broadcast next Sunday when the original members of the cast are reunited as Jenny, played by Fay Ripley, returns for the funeral.

But the ITV comedy series may yet return to the screens after the dramatic finale, television bosses claimed today. TV executives say they have already started working on how the show could come back for another series.

For weeks, viewers have been left guessing about the outcome of the fifth and final series - after the writers revealed that they had shot four different endings where four different characters were killed off.

Some 10.4 million viewers tuned in on Sunday to watch Rachel - played by Helen Baxendale, 32 - die in intensive care after her car was hit by a lorry. That record figure is set to be smashed this Sunday for Rachel's funeral which has been billed as the last ever airing the show will get.

But hinting that there could yet be more to come, controller of Granada Andy Harries says in a documentary called Cold Feet: The Final Call to be aired tonight: "By killing a character, you are truly saying 'this series is over' ... until, of course, in 10 years' time when money is running a bit short for all of us, we bring it back. What we do with Rachel, I don't know yet - but I have got a few theories."

Robert Bathurst, who plays David Marsden, also hinted at a reunion series, saying: "In the final episode, things aren't completely wrapped up. Life is just like that."

The episode next Sunday will show grieving Adam with their baby Matthew on his lap at the funeral. Moments earlier, viewers will watch the moving sequence of shots, which are broadcast virtually in silence, as Rachel's hearse drives down the route to the funeral.

The show's writers will not reveal exactly what is said at the wake itself, though writer Mike Bullen admitted: "It's the best script I have ever written".

Viewers will see Adam determined to get his life back on track after the funeral. He returns to work, but then breaks down, realising that he has not had time to grieve.

He decides that he wants to scatter Rachel's ashes in the place where they shared some of their happiest times together - Port Meirion in Wales.

An unexpected guest at the funeral is Pete's ex-wife Jenny, who has flown in from New York looking glamorous, but heavily pregnant. Jenny supports Adam, who has always regarded her as a close friend - but her arrival surprises Pete and his wife Jo.

Cold Feet first hit the screens in 1997. Bullen - who based the series on his real-life best friends - said: "You need a big story to end a series."

Ms Baxendale was in tears throughout filming and admitted: "It's been very emotional, we're saying goodbye to one of the characters - and to Cold Feet."

But viewers will be wondering if it is good bye or just au revoir?