Stephen Merchant quits hosting The Crystal Maze reboot in bid for Hollywood stardom

HE’S gone from working with Barry off EastEnders to becoming a hot property in Tinseltown.

And the lights of Hollywood have proved too bright for STEPHEN MERCHANT to stay here even for one of the most sought-after roles on British telly.

I’ve learned the Bristolian funnyman has quit as host of The Crystal Maze following October’s one-off celebrity special, throwing C4’s plans for a full series into disarray.

Stephen has snubbed the crystal dome due to his rising profile Stateside, with two huge roles coming up in X-Men film Logan and ANNA KENDRICK rom-com Table 19.

Channel 4 bosses are now urgently searching for a big-name replacement for The Crystal Maze after making the show’s return next year a top priority following the success of the special.

A TV insider said: “Stephen has made Channel 4’s job a lot harder by refusing to return for a full series. He was never too keen but the hope was he’d be swayed by the ratings.

“Channel 4 is desperate to get the show back on air as soon as it can and is looking for it to be a significant part of its 2017 schedule but the fact it has no host is obviously a major obstacle.

“The Crystal Maze is a great format but it falls flat without the right host. Stephen was witty, energetic and had a bald head — he ticked all the boxes. It will be tricky to find someone who can do the job as well as him.”

Stephen seemed reluctant to commit to the game show long-term even when speaking about the special, saying: “We haven’t discussed it being a series but for me personally that would be tough.

“I’d have to do it all the time and I’m not sure I’m equipped to be a game show host. I don’t think I have that skill set.”

With Stephen’s help, October’s Stand Up To Cancer special of the cult show pulled in three million viewers — a 137 per cent increase in the time-slot average.

But last night a Channel 4 spokeswoman confirmed the bad news, saying: “Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Stand Up To Cancer special early conversations are being had about The Crystal Maze.

“And whilst Stephen was an electrifying host he was always very clear that work commitments meant he would only be able to do the celebrity special.”

Just as long as those fans start up again soon.

Turkey Crowns

Here is the first look at The Windsors Christmas special, before the royals are plunged into a festive disaster.
As ever, Channel 4 isn’t taking it easy on the monarchy.

PRINCE WILLIAM (HUGH SKINNER) learns from the ghost of Christmas past, KING GEORGE III (PAUL WHITEHOUSE), that PRINCE CHARLES (HARRY ENFIELD) is destined for the Big Brother house if denied his chance on the throne.

KATE MIDDLETON (LOUISE FORD) and CAMILLA (HAYDN GWYNNE) feud over cooking dinner.

And singer ELLIE GOULDING (LIZZIE CONNOLLY) appears as a soup kitchen volunteer, threatening to derail PRINCE HARRY’s (RICHARD GOULDING) upcoming wedding to PIPPA MIDDLETON (MORGANA ROBINSON).

If only the annual Queen’s Speech was as bonkers.

X Factor ups its game

X Factor bosses upped security for last night’s results show after five men invaded HONEY G’s first performance on Saturday night.

Police were called to Fountain Studios in Wembley after the pranksters ran from the crowd and on to the stage during the live ITV broadcast.

An insider said: “Show bosses are reviewing all security and manpower was increased in the studio for Sunday night’s filming. Metal detectors are already in place and the men weren’t found to have offensive weapons. However, it’s important to make sure there are no copycats.”

Honey G, real name Anna Georgette Gilford, was shaken but performed again and stayed at the contestants’ house as normal.

Serial pranksters TrollStation claimed responsibility, posting videos of it on their social networking accounts.
I wouldn’t mess with SIMON COWELL.

Call the leaving do off

MIRANDA HART’s time on Call The Midwife might not be over after all.

The comic’s hectic diary saw her cancel plans to return for both the 2016 Christmas special and next year’s sixth series.

But former castmates say there is a chance she will be back as Camilla “Chummy” Noakes in the period drama.

Actress LINDA BASSETT, who plays Nurse Phyllis Crane, said: “With her schedule now we still hope she will be back.”

STEPHEN MCGANN, who plays Dr Patrick Turner, said the cast would love her to return. He said: “She’s part of the family and, apart from everything else, she’s hilarious.”

And the cast reckon it would be easy for her to slot back in.

HELEN GEORGE, who plays Nurse Trixie Franklin, explained: “It’s such an ensemble piece people dip in and out and it doesn’t ever affect the core.”

Best keep that cardie handy, Miranda.

Brian’s blast at Channel 5 ‘CADS’

FREDDIE MERCURY may be gone but QUEEN bandmate BRIAN MAY is still fiercely loyal to his memory.

The guitarist has blasted Channel 5 for last Sunday’s documentary-drama which featured actor John Blunt playing Freddie in private scenes such as his Aids diagnosis and death.

Brian revealed he had demanded the channel scrap Freddie Mercury: Who Wants To Live Forever before it was released to mark the 25th anniversary of the frontman’s death in November 1991.

And now he has furiously taken to his website to condemn Channel 5 bosses for ignoring his request and broadcasting it anyway.

He posted: “I’ve had lots of comments about the dreadful quality of the recently-aired Channel 5 low budget ‘docu-drama’ about Freddie. It seems to be getting the same reaction online.

“Well, just don’t blame us, folks. We got wind of this project about six months ago, and asked them (nicely) to bin it. So did Freddie’s family.

“But Channel 5 were determined to go ahead. Shame on Channel 5.

“The cads even used my song title! Not cool.

“However, the general feeling seems to be that this unwelcome little effort is already dying a quick natural death. So – onwards.

“Freddie (and his dear Mum) will rise above it all . . .”