The first episode of the new Crystal Maze with Richard Ayoade airs tonight

ATV Choice: The Crystal Maze returns tonight on Channel 4.

“I’ll never forget the moment that James [Dillon] rolled out his plans for the set build in an early planning meeting and the realisation of his new maze at The Bottle Yard began. The ingenious creativity and passion that filled the room at that point continued throughout the construction journey and into production. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with everyone involved on this truly ambitious show and a privilege to be home to the new Maze, which I have no doubt will capture the imagination of audiences both old and new.” – Fiona Francombe, The Bottle Yard Studios’ Site Director

Devoted fans of The Crystal Maze are in for a treat this weekend as a brand new series of the show kicks off on tonight (Friday 23rd June) on Channel 4, after being made at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol.

The new purpose-built maze spanning over 30,000 square feet was built in previously un-filmed areas of the Studios, created by original Crystal Maze designer James Dillon (The Mighty Boosh, The Royle Family). More than 30,000 people applied to take part in the show when it was announced in January, with 15 teams making it through the audition process. The show’s producers filmed two shows a day at the Studios during April and May.

Presented by new Maze Master Richard Ayoade, the new series features 20 episodes, including five celebrity specials and 15 involving members of the public. 41 completely new games have been devised and audiences can look forward to celebrity cameos from Adam Buxton dishing out riddles as a head in a jar, and Jessica Hynes as a knight guarding the Medieval Zone.

“Being at The Bottle Yard enabled us to do justice to what we wanted to keep from the original show, whilst at the same time pushing it forward in the places we felt there was an opportunity to. Not only did we have the space to build a maze that’s bigger and better than before, we could also navigate two jibs and a technocrane around the four Zones and the Dome. The Studios’ infrastructure was also real gamechanger, with workshops, gallery facilities and production offices all close by. We were also able to lean on the character of building and incorporate elements of it into the set, like the pillars which feature in the Industrial Zone.” – Executive Producer Neale Simpson

The original production, presented by Richard O’Brien and Ed Tudor-Pole, aired for six series between 1990 and 1995 and became cult viewing. The hit series saw a team of contestants pitting their wits against the clock within four zones of games to gain entry to the Crystal Dome and win fabulous prizes.

The show returned to Channel 4 in October 2016 for a Stand Up To Cancer celebrity special and proved a hit with loyal fans and newcomers alike, winning a consolidated audience of 4.3 million viewers. The one-off was hosted by Stephen Merchant who took the look of original host O’Brien who also made a cameo in the special on a computer screen.

“From day one the whole Bottle Yard team were so enthusiastic about us being here. When making a show like this, there are so many logistical challenges to overcome under tight schedules and it makes a world of difference to work in a place where you know people have got your back. It was such a pleasure to do it here and if we get the chance to make more then hopefully we’ll be back again soon!” – Executive Producer Neale Simpson

The Crystal Maze, tonight at 9pm on Channel 4. Regular reruns of the original series can be seen on Challenge TV.