Sex and the City has finally hit the end of its run

The conclusion of the show's plot, which followed the love lives of four professional women in New York, had been a closely-guarded secret.

Sarah Jessica Parker, who plays Carrie Bradshaw, said: "We made a decision and I hope people understand why."

During its six-year run Sex and the City won six Emmy awards and eight Golden Globes.

The final episode was preceded by an hour-long documentary celebrating the show's success.

Its frank treatment of sexual issues gave the show an international following, with Carrie asking in the first episode, "Can women have sex like men?"

The on-screen chemistry between Parker and co-stars Cynthia Nixon, Kim Cattrall and Kristin Davis was also been a factor in the show's success.

Series executive Michael Patrick is reported to be in talks with the show's cast and the HBO network about making a film of the series.

British viewers will be able to see the show's conclusion on 19 March on Channel 4.