'Primeval' To Return

'Primeval' is to return for two new series - three months after it was axed.

ITV had announced plans to drop the sci-fi drama - which follows a group of scientists who battle prehistoric creatures - as part of cost-cutting in their production budget, but will now bring it back in a joint venture with UKTV.

The deal - also part-funded by BBC Worldwide and Germany's Pro7 stations - will see 13 new episodes in two series, with the first batch premiering on ITV and the second screened first on digital channel Watch.

Tim Haines, Creative Director of Impossible Pictures, who make the show, said: "I am thrilled that ITV has agreed to this new deal which will allow Impossible Pictures to produce another 13 episodes of 'Primeval'.

"The confidence demonstrated in the programme's continued success here and abroad will help us bring more big screen action and a whole host of new creatures roaring back into people's living rooms."

The first of the new episodes is scheduled to air in early 2011.

Stars including Andrew Lee Potts, Jason Fleming and Hannah Spearritt will return for the series.