US zombie series The Walking Dead gets third season

Zombie series The Walking Dead has been renewed for a third series by US television network AMC.

The show, which stars British actor Andrew Lincoln in the lead role as sheriff Rick Grimes, is shown in the UK on digital channel FX.

The Walking Dead's second series is currently being shown.

It follows a group of people trying to survive after zombies, or walkers, take over the world and is based on a comic book series.

"Today we are pleased to announce that the 'dead' shall live as we proudly renew The Walking Dead for a third season on AMC and, globally, with our terrific partners at Fox International Channels," said AMC president Charlie Collier.

"We are thankful for everyone's contribution in front of and behind the camera as we continue to make The Walking Dead a unique television experience.

"We are so proud as it continues to set viewership records around the world."

The company says more than 10 million people in 122 countries watched the second series premiere.

The Walking Dead won an Emmy this year for outstanding prosthetic make-up.

The show also stars Jon Bernthal (The Pacific, Night at the Museum), Sarah Wayne Callies (Prison Break) and Laurie Holden (X-Files, The Shield).