First look at Modern Family’s series finale promises emotional rollercoaster as cast disband after 11 years

TOUCHING photos from Modern Family’s series finale have been released as the emotional cast disband for good.

The world has come to adore the hilariously dysfunctional-yet-loving Dunphy-Pritchett-Tucker clan since they made their debut in 2009.

But, after 11 seasons, 250 episodes, and 22 Emmys – including five consecutive Outstanding Comedy Series trophies, tying Frasier’s record – the much-loved show is finally drawing to a close.

And, to mark the occasion, a series of moving pictures from the set taken during filming for the season finale have been released to the public.

One of the sweetest features Phil Dunphy (played by actor Ty Burrell) hugging wife Claire (Julie Bowen). 

Burrell, who won two Emmys as the dippy dad-of-three, said of their last day on set: “It was like a beautiful torture. It was like being at a wedding and a funeral at the same time.”

Teasing the final episode, co-creator Steven Levitan said: “It really has to do with that feeling that this chapter of this family is over.

“The family is suddenly dealing with a lot of changes, some of which come from the very nature of kids getting older, the time when you have to say goodbye.

This magical period in their lives won’t be the same anymore, and people are wrestling with a lot of the same feelings we were wrestling with.”

The finale opens with a Dunphy home so overflowing with kids and grandkids that Phil and Claire seek shelter in the RV in the driveway.

The episode will also include one last sibling humiliation ritual performed by Haley (Sarah Hyland) and Alex (Ariel) Dunphy on their brother Luke (Nolan Gould), which features among the photos, and a bathtub-side scene with Manny and Gloria.

In addition, Levitan adds: “Claire and [her brother] Mitch have realisations as adults about their old skating routine that they didn’t as kids.” 

Meanwhile Jay and Phil, who never truly got on in their father and son-in-law, will share new intimacy. Hints Burrell: “They finally bond—literally...”

We reported in February how the cast broke down in tears on their last day of filming as the sitcom wrapped.

Vergara could be seen crying as she cuddled into her co-stars as the cast sang along to Green Day's Good Riddance (Time of Your Life). She was joined by Tyler Ferguson and Bowen as they hugged each other.

The 47-year-old actress captioned the clip: "What a day!! Saying goodbye to our Modern Family" with three love heart emojis.

Speaking about the close-knit cast and crew going their sperate ways for the last time, Levitan’s fellow co-creator Christopher Lloyd said: “There’s a combination of sadness and gratitude, and these are feelings all of the writers had – and I think the actors had too. 

“It’s kind of like when you’re a kid and your best friend moves away – only it’s 100 best friends.” 

The one-hour farewell will air on Wednesday April 8 at 9 pm on ABC.