The Crystal Maze to return with Richard Ayoade as host

The actor-director will present 20 hour-long episodes later this year

Beloved game show The Crystal Maze is returning to Channel 4 with Richard Ayoade on presenting duties.

The actor-director will host 20 hour-long episodes taking over from Stephen Merchant who oversaw a one-off celebrity version in October 2016 in aid of Stand Up to Cancer.

Excitingly, the new run will take place at a purpose-built maze in Bristol that's being devised by original designer James Dillon; it'll span over 30,000 feet.

Ayoade, star of C4 sitcom The IT Crowd and director of films Submarine and The Double, will bring his irreverent wit to proceedings, taking over from past hosts Richard O'Brien and Ed Tudor-Pole. Following Channel 4's acquisition of The Great British Bake Off, Ayoade was bandied around as a potential replacement for hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.

The series' format will remain largely the same with teams of five contestants putting their physical and mental skills to the test in a bid to make it to the crystal dome.

Details on how to be a contestant will be revealed soon, but in the meantime, get your practice in at the London live attraction.

The Crystal Maze originally ran from 1990 to 1995.