The Crystal Maze - Side Stories

Side Stories

At various points in the show, the hosts will tell anecdotal tales about each zone that they are in. These stories are almost all fictional, or just observations of the host. They do not affect the current quest or any outcomes. They occur at the introduction of some, but not all, zones. For all zones, excluding Industrial, the hosts know contrasting histories surrounding the place. Sometimes, their anecdotes contradict things they have previously said.

When a challenge is taking longer to complete, the host will usually talk directly to the camera and address their story to the viewers.

Richard sometimes produces a harmonica from his pocket and plays the same tune. In series 1-3, there is a recurring character who is his mother, who he calls 'Mumsey'. She frequently appears in the Medieval zone, which is the home of each host during their respective seasons. If a contestant participates in her challenge, Richard will talk to her before moving on. They always continue a conversation which started between episodes, leaving the audience to speculate what provoked the topic. If a later challenge in the same zone takes longer, Richard will sometimes leave the team to chat with Mumsey further.

In the Future zone, the host talks to computer during longer challenges. Ed only asks for statistical information or status updates on the space station. Richard tries to develop an interpersonal relationship with the computer, but the computer is unable to relate back. In the first series, the computer's voice was male and acted antagonistically toward Richard. In the second series, the computer's voice was female and very flirtatious. In the third series, the computer's voice reverted back to male.

When they are in the ocean zone, the hosts talk about the last Ship Captain, and things he did when he was on duty. Ed also insists that a cat survived the ship sinking, and still lives on the vessel today.