The Walking Dead spin-off is still happening

Andrew Lincoln plays Rick in the Walking Dead

A year ago, it was announced The Walking Dead would be getting its own spin off.

But then it all went a bit quiet.

Finally, ahead of the fifth season, the people who make the show have piped up to announce that a pilot episode of said spin-off will be made.

Referred to as a "companion series", AMC, the channel which makes The Walking Dead, say the show will focus on other parts of the world coping with the zombie apocalypse.

"There are many corners of The Walking Dead universe that remain unseen in the shadows," said Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead comic books.

"Being given the opportunity to shine a light into those corners and see what lurks out there is an absolute thrill."

"I know the fans are anxious to hear what Dave (Erickson, co-creator) and I have been cooking up for this new version of The Walking Dead, and I'm happy to be one step closer to sharing it with them."

Robert Kirkman (left) is the creator of the Walking Dead comic books

Walking Dead stars Norman Reedus and Chandler Riggs.

The spin-off's likely to be aired in 2015 and there's no word on whether British actor Andrew Lincoln, who plays the series' main protagonist Rick, will cameo.

The Walking Dead is a huge hit for AMC, a cable and satellite channel in the US.

Its fourth series achieved high ratings, leading it to become the number one drama for adults between 18 and 48 year olds in America.

A fifth series of the show is about to go out on air.

Andrew Lincoln plays Rick in the Walking Dead

"Almost from the beginning of The Walking Dead on AMC, fans have been curious about what is going on in the zombie apocalypse in other parts of the world. In fact, beyond requests for zombie cameos, it's the question I get asked the most," said AMC President Charlie Collier.

Spin-offs are currently on trend for AMC with the upcoming Better Call Saul, which focuses on lawyer Saul Goodman from its other hit show Breaking Bad.

Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube