The wait is over for fans of The Crystal Maze as a brand new series of the show kicks off this Friday night on Channel 4.
The series was filmed at Bristol’s Bottle Yard Studios on a new, purpose-built set spanning over 30,000 square feet and which used previously unfilmed-in areas of the studio.
Created by original Crystal Maze designer James Dillon, the maze features 41 all-new games.
Presented by new Maze Master Richard Ayoade, the new series features 20 episodes, including 5 celebrity specials and 15 involving members of the public.
Executive Producer Neale Simpson said: “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.”
Fiona Francombe, The Bottle Yard Studios’ Site Director added: “I’ll never forget the moment that James 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.”
