Nemesis rollercoaster ride at Alton Towers to close for 'exciting revamp'

One of the most popular rollercoaster rides at Alton Towers is closing for an "exciting revamp", the theme park says.

Nemesis, which has thrilled fun-seekers with its corkscrews and speeds of up to 50mph for nearly three decades, will be closing on 6 November, because of the "beast's abnormal behaviour". It will return in 2024.

Nemesis cost £10m and was Europe's first inverted rollercoaster when it opened in 1994. Since then it has been ridden more than 50 million times.

In a statement, Alton Towers said people have a "matter of weeks left to enjoy its heart-pounding and exhilarating twists and turns".

"Nemesis, Europe's first inverted rollercoaster will return in 2024 after an exciting revamp," it added. "Until then, visitors to the theme park will have just a few more weeks to enjoy its corkscrews and loops before it starts its transformation this winter.

"Details of the transformation are being kept under wraps for now with more information to be revealed nearer the time."

Kate McBirnie, head of product excellence at Alton Towers Resort, said: "The legendary rollercoaster is loved by thrillseekers across the UK and beyond, and we want to give fans of the ride the opportunity to experience Nemesis in its current form before it closes on 6 November."

During the 80-second ride, its 32 passengers feel a G force of 3.5 - a bit less than Formula 1 drivers feel when they brake - as they race past the rocks and rivers of the Staffordshire theme park's Forbidden Valley.