‘The Crystal Maze’ will return this year with a brand new zone.
The popular show – featuring returning host Richard Ayoade – will add a new games area for the first time since its original run in the 1990s with ‘The Eastern Zone’ being introduced for the upcoming celebrity series.
It’s said the new area – which will appear alongside Aztec, Futuristic and Industrial Zones – has been influenced by historic architecture, art and monuments from East Asia, including a lily pond, ornate vases and cherry blossom trees.
The zone will be made up of five games rooms with eight challenges for the celebrity teams to face.
Production designer James Dillon – the man behind every game area since the show’s original run – said it was "very exciting to be asked to design a new zone".
He added: "The challenge, to create a zone referencing such an ancient and beautiful part of the world, and to bring those intense, rich colours and textures to the mix of zones that make up the Maze, has been most enjoyable.
The revamp marks the first change since the Ocean Zone was introduced during the fourth series in 1993.
The original run of ‘The Crystal Maze’ ended in 1995 after six seasons, before making a return in 2017.
Previous contestants for the celebrity editions have included the likes of former Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes, Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, ‘Countdown’ genius Rachel Riley and rapper Big Narstie.
‘The Crystal Maze’ will return to Channel 4 later this year with 13 new episodes.
Crystal Maze returning with brand new zone
