WHEN we said goodbye to Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte three years ago, a nation of women mourned.

A small section of that nation packed into Manchester Printworks on Wednesday night for the hotly anticipated reunion of New York’s most fabulous women, to find out whether the fairytale that began more than a decade ago turns out the way they hoped.

After a quick recap of where the four characters were when we left them at the end of the series, it’s clear the two Ls are still carrying the storyline along – labels and love – and in the first half hour of the movie, all is well in our heroines’ world.

There were audiable gasps of appreciation as Carrie and co stepped out in an enviable whirlwind of sensational outfits and a round of applause when Carrie first opens the doors to the walk in closet that Big built for her in their new 5th Ave apartment.

And just wait to hear what happens when Miss Bradshaw tries on that Vivienne Westwood wedding dress.

But, in true SATC style, the happiness can’t last and the consumer Cinderellas are heading for a crash.

As Carrie’s big day looms, cracks appear in all the girls’ lives and there are tears, both on screen and off! While there are few plot surprises in store, and you’ll have to wait right until the end to find out whether the girls get their 'happy ever after'.

If you’re a fan I can assure you that you will fall in love all over again and leave the cinema wondering how you got along without the girls these past few years.

8/10 A welcome return