The Crystal Maze: First look at Richard Ayoade as host of all-new series

The first of 20 hour-long episodes will air in June

Beloved game show The Crystal Maze is returning in June with Richard Ayoade on presenting duties, and Channel 4 has released a first look at the actor-director in action.

Ayoade 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.

This new run will take place at a purpose-built maze in Bristol that was devised by original designer James Dillon; it spans over 30,000 feet.

Richard Ayoade as host of all-new 'The Crystal Maze'

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.

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. They'll navigate the Aztec, Medieval, Industrial and Future zones of the maze facing "a range of skill, mystery, physical and mental challenges."

It's been confirmed that a batch of celebrity specials in aid of Stand Up 2 Cancer will also air later this year.