Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
In the zone
THE CRYSTAL MAZE CELEBRITY SPECIAL
Channel 4, 9pm FROM the hugely unflattering grey jumpsuits to Maze Master Richard Ayoade’s gold hand on a stick, this rebooted classic game show is British eccentricity at its best.
You know the rules. Contestants band together through four zones – Aztec, Medieval, Industrial and Future – tackling Physical, Skill, Mystery and Mental challenges in a bid to win crystals.
Each crystal gives them another five seconds in the final test – that oversized fan known as the Crystal Dome which blows around gold tokens to grab and win money.
This time it’s all for charity and the contestants are celebrities. Olympic legend Dame Kelly Holmes takes charge of grime MC Big Narstie, actress Jorgie Porter, internet superstar Alfie Deyes and long jump gold medallist Greg Rutherford. No prizes for guessing which two are the most competitive, while Big Narstie plays for laughs with a rebellious attitude and snacks in his pocket.
They struggle to produce a sequence of notes on whistles before they can go in, proving that no one can be good at everything, even Olympians.
This is one of those rare game shows that makes you secretly want to take part. Strictly? Too technical. Masterchef ? Too much pressure. Ninja Warrior? Are you kidding? But this appeals to the normal in you.
With all the awkward fist bumps and whooping, it’s a bit like watching a compulsory teambuilding event.
Meanwhile, Richard runs through the maze holding aloft his creepy golden hand on a stick like a deranged tour guide, muttering odd, but hilarious comments.
Which all makes for, ahem, a-maze-ing telly.