Could Primeval be facing extinction?

Primeval could be facing the axe by ITV - because it costs too much to make.

The ITV1 Saturday night time-travel series is a major ratings hit for the channel, with more than 5.3 million viewers tuning in for the launch of the current third series.

But the show is packed with expensive special effects and ITV is looking to cut spending after reporting a loss of £2.7 billion in March.

An ITV source told The Sun: "The problem is that we've lost a huge amount of money in advertising because of the credit crunch.

"So while programmes may be rating well, if they cost too much then we have no way to recoup our expenses. Primeval is a prime example of this."

Former S Club singer Hannah Spearritt and actor Jason Flemyng star in the drama about a team of scientists investigating prehistoric beasts who travel to the present through 'rips' in time.

The drama has been such a success that US movie bosses are working on a film version.

An ITV spokeswoman said: "We would not make a decision about a recommission this early."

ITV is said to have also considered axing family drama Wild at Heart because it's filmed in South Africa - but it appears that the show has been saved.

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