James R | On 25, Jan 2018

Channel 4 has ordered more episodes of its new incarnation of The Crystal Maze.

The show, which first aired from 1990 to 1995, showcased the attempts of contestants to complete skill, mystery, physical and mental challenges around the titular, otherworldly maze. Richard O’Brien was the original Maze Master guiding them through the strange labyrinth, before Ed Tudor Pole replaced him. Then, the show returned out of the blue with Stephen Merchant on presenting duties.

When that one-off special, which saw celebrities compete for Stand Up to Cancer, proved a hit, Channel 4 promptly returned to the Maze for more challenges and more contestants. In the Maze Master shoes? Richard Ayoade, who proved a natural fit for the show’s precisely chaotic adventure vibe.

“Prickly, funny, strangely not of the earth, he was in his element as he ran about the newly constructed set for Channel 4’s reboot of the iconic 90s challenge show,” we wrote in our review of the new series when it first aired. “He steps into Richard O’Brien’s role with his predecessor’s disdain for useless people, coupled with a self-aware smirk that may make him even better.”

Now, Channel 4 has ordered even more new episodes, with a further dozen on the way. Produced by Fizz, part of RDF Television, the new episodes will once again be shot at the purpose-built set spanning over 30,000 square feet at Bristol’s Bottle Yard Studios. Filming will start this spring, including six celebrity specials and six episodes featuring normal people.

Want to take part? Applications are now open for teams of five contestants – just head to thecrystalmaze.com to apply before 11.59pm on Sunday 4th March.

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