Dinosaurs join TV drama

Dinosaurs walked the earth around 65m years ago

BBC One is to film a live action drama, The Lost World, with the stars of Walking With Dinosaurs.

The Lost World is an enduring work of great innovation

Lorraine Heggessey, BBC One controller

This will be the first outing for the prehistoric monsters who were a ratings hit in 1999 and they may share the screen with actor Peter Falk, best known for his role as shabby detective Columbo.

The Lost World, adapted from Arthur Conan Doyle's epic tale, begins filming later this month with Bob Hoskins and James Fox in lead roles.

Peter Falk: In talks over role

It tells the story of a group of British explorers in search of dinosaurs in a remote areas of the Brazilian rainforest where the monsters are reputed to still roam.

Peter Falk is in talks to step into the role of a clergyman.

"This production sums up the creative ambition of BBC1 to deliver drama of freshness and originality," said BBC One controller Lorraine Heggessey.

"The Lost World is an enduring work of great innovation."

New Zealand location

Jane Tranter, controller of drama commissioning said: "This is storytelling at its best. The Lost World brings together the remarkable technical expertise and creativity of Walking With Dinosaurs and the BBC's period drama skills to produce great entertainment for all the family."

51% of viewers watched the hit series

The action, which will combine live period action with digital effects will be filmed in New Zealand rather than Brazil.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "The technical back-up was much easier to get there.

"The climate is also much milder in New Zealand rather than having to work in heat of the jungle but on screen the atmosphere and conditions will look the same."