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Crystal Maze IS coming back to TV this year… and David Tennant is being tipped to host it

CLASSIC TV game show The Crystal Maze is returning after 21 years.

The problem-solving favourite, which ran from 1990 to 1995, will be revived for a big-budget celebrity special on Channel 4 in October.

 Shivering with anticipation . . . O'Brien on set of original show
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Shivering with anticipation . . . O'Brien on set of original show

A full series will follow if it is a ratings success.

Bosses hope to lure former Doctor Who David Tennant, 45, as host, following in the footsteps of Rocky Horror Show creator Richard O’Brien, 74, and Ed Tudor-Pole, 60.

A TV insider said: “Even two decades after it last aired, there are very few shows that have been as magical and action-packed as The Crystal Maze. It is still remembered extremely fondly today.

 Who's that then . . . former Dr Who star David Tennant is being lined up to host show
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Who's that then . . . former Dr Who star David Tennant is being lined up to host show

“Channel 4 are hoping to tap into that nostalgia and believe viewers will jump at the chance to finally take on the show’s adventurous challenges themselves.”


READ MORE: As The Crystal Maze returns here's a look at the best bits from the 1990s TV series


At its height, The Crystal Maze was the most popular programme on Channel 4, regularly drawing in between four and six million viewers.

O’Brien presented it from its launch until 1993 when punk rocker Tudor-Pole took over.

 If the ratings are high enough, bosses hope to make a new full series of the problem solving show
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If the ratings are high enough, bosses hope to make a new full series of the problem solving show
 Contestants raced in teams against the clock around themed zones where they competed in tense challenges
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Contestants raced in teams against the clock around themed zones where they competed in tense challenges
 Much loved . . . O’Brien with crystal on show
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Much loved . . . O’Brien with crystal on showCredit: Rex Features

Teams of competitors raced around the largest set on TV, visiting elaborately-themed time and space zones to take part in tense challenges and win crystals.

The celebrity special will air during Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer charity programming.

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