'The Krypton Factor' to return

'The Krypton Factor', the quiz show dubbed "television's toughest", is being brought back by ITV following a 13-year absence, it emerged today.

The show ran for 18 years on Monday nights before it was axed in 1995 by ITV, which still holds the rights to the programme.

The broadcaster is about to order a new series of the show, which was hosted by Gordon Burns.

The Krypton Factor, named after Superman's home planet, featured four contestants who were tested on their physical and mental abilities.

Mental agility was tested with memory tests and puzzles, often involving 3D shapes.

Physical challenges included gruelling army assault courses and the use of a flight simulator.

Contestants, who were colour-coded into red, blue, green and yellow, were also tested on their general knowledge and powers of observation.

The final series in 1995 was heavily revamped and featured GMTV host Penny Smith as a presenter.

Broadcast magazine reported that a deal to bring back the show was imminent.

ITV later confirmed that the show would return next year "with a 21st Century makeover".

The stakes would be "bigger" and "the competition ... harder" in its new incarnation, it said.

A new presenter is still to be confirmed.

Auditions will be held around the country to find contestants for the studio show, which will "make full use of the latest technology".

The assault course will return alongside mental agility, observation, physical ability, intelligence and general knowledge tests.

ITV Controller of Entertainment John Kaye Cooper said: "The Krypton Factor is one of the most iconic shows on television and we're delighted to be bringing it back to the channel."

ITV Productions' Controller of Entertainment Claire Horton said: "We are taking a brilliant format and bringing it bang up to date with state of the art technology.

"We look forward to getting some brilliant contestants who viewers will really get behind, making it one of the most exciting contests on television."