There have been a couple of updates in the world of Primeval and while the Canadian spin-off is moving ahead, the signs aren’t looking good for the UK original.

The production company behind the show, Impossible Pictures, are still waiting for ITV1 to show Series 5 before a final decision can be made, but they are not hopeful.

“It is very unlikely that a sixth series of Primeval will be commissioned in the UK,” said a spokesman. “We won’t know for 100% certain until after it has transmitted on ITV in June or July, as they were the main investors in the series and will make a decision based on the ratings and success of series 5 for their audiences. But all signs are that it won’t be renewed which is, of course, very sad.

“However the show lives on in Primeval: New World, the North American series being produced by Omni Film in Canada and which starts shooting at the end of February.”

New World, like its UK equivalent, follows a team of animal experts and scientists that investigates the appearance of temporal anomalies and battles both prehistoric and futuristic creatures.

The 13-episode series will begin filming shortly and premiere on Canadian channel Space. In the UK, Watch have picked up the show for broadcast late 2012. More news is expected soon.

Primeval co-creator Adrian Hodges has also stated that a Primeval film is still in the works and currently looking for directors.