The 20-part series will be hosted by comedian Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd), who will take on the role of Maze Master.

Producers are seeking teams of five contestants who will face a range of skill based, mystery, physical and mental challenges.

Teams will have to navigate the Aztec, Medieval, Industrial and Future zones of the maze to receive crystals for each obstacle, which equate to time in the final test - the legendary Crystal Dome.

The purpose-built maze, which spans over 30,000 square feet at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol, is being designed by original Crystal Maze designer James Dillon.

The Crystal Maze, which originally aired from 1990 to 1995, made a triumphant return this year for a Stand Up To Cancer celebrity special, with the likes of Michelle Keegan, Rio Ferdinand, and Stephen Merchant as the Maze Master. It proved a hit with both old fans and newcomers, drawing in 4.3 million viewers.

The new series will also feature a set of celebrity specials for Stand Up to Cancer.

Tom Beck, Head of Live & Events at Channel 4, said of the commission: "The Stand Up To Cancer special was so brilliant and so successful that commissioning a series of The Crystal Maze was almost a no-brainer.

"And I couldn’t be more pleased and excited that Richard has agreed to become the new Maze Master – he’s an inspired choice."

The new series will air this year.

Bottle Yard Studios said they will release more information on how to apply for the show "soon."