PRIMEVAL TO RETURN

'Primeval' recommissioned for two series

Primeval has been recommissioned for two series under a new co-production deal between ITV and UKTV.

The arrangement, which also involves BBC America and German broadcaster Pro7, is for a seven-episode fourth series and a six-episode fifth.

ITV1 will premiere series four in early 2011, while Watch will have the first run of series five later that year. ITV1 will then broadcast series five.

Stars Andrew Lee Potts, Hannah Spearitt, Ben Miller and Jason Flemyng will all return for the new batch of episodes.

"I am thrilled that ITV has agreed to this new deal, which will allow us to produce another 13 episodes of Primeval," said Tim Haines, creative director of Impossible Pictures. "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 announcement comes three months after ITV axed the series.