Third series for ITV1's 'Primeval'

ITV1 has commissioned a third series of Primeval after airing only three episodes of the second.

So far, the show's second series is averaging over 5m viewers and overtook BBC One's The One and Only talent show by 200,000 viewers last Saturday.

> Click here to find out what's on this week's Primeval

Production on series three is expected to commence in March with a target airdate in next January.

"Primeval just keeps going from strength to strength with audiences really taking the team to their hearts," said ITV drama director Laura Mackie.

The broadcaster will ask viewers to invent a creature to be featured in the sci-fi drama as part of a user generated content drive later in the year. Mackie said the competition "will put viewers right at the heart of the action".

Tim Haines, executive producer for Impossible Pictures, added: "We are extremely proud of Primeval and are overjoyed by the success of the second series. Its popularity demonstrates that you can create 'characters' in CGI that audiences will respond to. By giving people the opportunity to design a monster for the third series we are creating a chance for them to be more involved and feel closer to the programme."

> Click here for our interview with the show's cast