'Groundbreaking' deal to share costs with UKTV channel Watch prompts ITV1 to announce 13 new episodes over two series.

Dinosaur drama Primeval has been rescued from extinction three months after ITV1 said it would not recommission the programme – thanks to a "groundbreaking" deal to share costs with a digital channel. MediaGuardian.co.uk revealed in May that producer Impossible Pictures was trying to put together a deal to save the show, in which a group of scientists in present-day Britain fight prehistoric and futuristic creatures that have been transported through time. But ITV announced in June that it would not proceed.

However, ITV today said it had agreed to share the next two series, comprising 13 episodes in total, with UKTV channel Watch after a deal was hammered out by Impossible Pictures and partner BBC Worldwide, which distributes the show internationally. In the new funding structure BBC Worldwide has overtaken ITV to become the largest partner, with BBC America – which broadcasts the series in the US – joining Germany's Pro7 as a co-production partner.

ITV1 will premiere the fourth series of the show in early 2011. Watch – which already airs sci fi shows Doctor Who and Torchwood – will repeat it soon after and then premiere the fifth series later the same year, followed by ITV1. The new series will reunite the stars from the previous series, including Hannah Spearritt, Andrew-Lee Potts and Jason Flemyng, alongside the acclaimed special effects created by Framestore CFC. Showrunner Adrian Hodges will oversee the series.

Tim Haines, creative director of Impossible Pictures, 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." Laura Mackie, director of ITV drama commissioning, added: "We're delighted to have agreed this new deal with Impossible to return Primeval to ITV1. The innovative nature of this partnership will allow the show to maintain its high production values."

The third run of Primeval launched with 5.3 million viewers in April. Impossible Pictures is developing a film version. ITV also announced the axing of its other Saturday teatime drama, Demons, in June, saying it wanted to concentrate on its peaktime drama. Primeval has sold to more than 45 countries worldwide, including Australia, Singapore and South Korea.

Source: The Guardian

I was told Hannah appeared in Strictly Come Dancing audience with Lucy Brown, she was supporting Laila. Whoever finds me a video of it will win an imaginary prize :) EDIT: Thanks Jenny! She looks amazing <3

Vote for Hannah and Primeval in National Television Awards:

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Paul, Jo and Bradley back to touring, here are plenty of towns their hit this year. Check if they are coming near you.

September

21st - Leeds University Union
24th - Hamilton Palace, Scotland
26th - Kings Hall, Herne Bay

October

1st - Pozition, Hull
3rd - Evolution Club, Leeds
7th - Leicester Uni Union
10th - Ritz, Manchester
16th - The Priory, Scotland
17th - Studio, Chester Le Street
21st - 02 Academy, Sheffield
23rd - New Beach Holiday Park
24th - St Osyth Beach

November

5th - Drumchapel & West Winterfest, Glasgow
6th - Lorna ( Jo Source ) Birthday

December

22nd - Devoy Quarter, Ireland

Credit: Jo-Source

BBC America will air a Primeval marathon of series 1 on Wednesday, from 11am Eastern to 5pm.

Primeval 3 DVD box will be released in America tomorrow. I though this would be a good chance to promote the DVD boxes around the world. I'll only post links to UK and US Amazon to save time, I'm sure you can all search the products in your own countries.

US: Season 3
US: Season 1&2

UK: Series 3
UK: Series 1&2

Just a short update to remind you of Lovely S Club groups on Facebook and Twitter. If you want to get all the ( few ) Hannah and Paul news as they happen join&follow me :)

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National Television Awards are here again and Hannah and Primeval are nominated as usual. Make sure you support them by voting here. Your votes must be in by September 30th and the winners will be announced on ITV1 in January.

Category 3: Best Drama - Primeval
Category 4: Best Drama Performance - Hannah Spearritt

Bud made me a fancy signature of Hannah's newish pictures, feel free to use it. You can check our other blends clicking here.