Richard O'Brien WILL return to The Crystal Maze

It’s the news all you Crystal Maze purists out there have been dreaming of.

The show’s original presenter Richard O’Brien WILL be making an appearance when the show returns this month after all!

Fans of the show were a teeny bit disappointed when the 74-year-old star was overlooked in favour of comedian Stephen Merchant for the upcoming celebrity reboot – and Channel 4 bosses were clearly listening to their moans.

Richard, who presented the show for four series before Ed Tudor-Pole took over, will pop up at the beginning of the show via a video link.

Rumour has it he can’t resist a jibe at his replacement, either – telling Merchant that “that bloke off Doctor Who” would’ve been a far better choice.

In case you hadn’t heard, David Tennant was widely tipped to present the show before The Office writer finally got the nod.

Still not enough Richard? Well, if the promo shots are anything to go by, Crystal Maze bosses have insisted in trussing up Stephen Merchant in a lurid waistcoat, long shiny coat, cravat and pair of oversized glasses in a bid to give him the quintessential O’Brien look.

Oh, and they’ve also shaved his hair off. Squint hard enough and it could be 1990.

Veteran actress Maureen Lipman will also crop up on the show as fortune teller Mumsey, presenting comedian Josh Widdecombe with a series of clues while flirting outrageously. The character was played by Carry On actress Sandra Caron in the ’90s original.

Celebrity contestants on the show, which has been commissioned to raise money for the Stand Up To Cancer charity, are Michelle Keegan, Jonnie Peacock, Sara Cox and team captain Rio Ferdinand. You can see it at 9pm on October 16 on Channel 4.

We can’t wait!