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Dara O'Briain is the new host of BBC Two's rebooted Robot Wars.

The 44-year-old comedian will be joining forces with fellow Irish presenter

.

Since the announcement fans of the cult classic have been upset that one of its former hosts, the popular

Speaking ahead of the prestigious British Academy Games Awards, Dara insists that he's not really stepping into Charles' shoes (or leather jacket as fans will remember), as he's 'doing it differently'.

Dara exclusively told Mirror Online: "Well, the Craig Charles thing, that was 12 years ago.

"He did a big acting job. You know how Richard O’Brien did the Crystal Maze. It was all swooping of fans and the big leather jacket."

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(Image: Daily Record)

Revealing his take on the role, Dara added: "I did it in a much more sports event kind of way.

"There was more investment in the teams."

The much-loved series was originally aired on BBC Two from 1998 until 2001, before Channel 5 picked it up for a final series in 2003.

Speaking about how things are coming along, he said: "It was a great. I genuinely was sucked in completely. It was just amazing."

Recalling the moment they were nearly injured, Dara revealed: "We were watching one time and these spinner things were going at over 200mph and we saw it bang [the triple bulletproof glass] in front of us.

"A twisted shard of metal was flung at our windows."

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All the Robot Wars action will come from the new purpose-built fighting arena in Glasgow, which will allow viewers to get even closer to the action, with state-of-the-art cameras capable of capturing every crushing, sawing and scorching moment in incredible detail.

When asked if the new series will be just as good, Dara said: "It's great. Robots smashed up the set, the house robots got into a proper fight.

"It’s all love, it’s all moved on. Frankly it could be anyone hosting it, it’s all moved on."

The BBC Two-bound rebooted series also sees Jonathan Pearce returning as commentator.

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Speaking of his favourite house robot, the comedian added: "Weirdly it wasn't Matilda. I loved Dead Metal.

"He had a proper dirty look in his eyes. You have to watch out there are some stunning moments with them.

(Image: BBC)

When the presenters were originally announced Dara said: “I am thrilled to be presenting Robot Wars. For too long, the schedules have cried out for a show in which dedicated amateurs toiling day and night, handcraft sophisticated automatons built on the delicate interplay of hand-wired servo motors with custom-built circuit boards and fingertip motion control, just to see them get smashed to pieces by a dustbin carrying a massive hammer. It's war, and how I love it so.”

Angela Scanlon added: “I'm so excited to be joining such a legendary show that, after all this time, still manages to make people squeal with joy. I cannot wait to see the robots in all their metallic glory playfully destroying each other!”

Jonathan Pearce said: “Robot Wars is an immensely enjoyable programme to commentate on. I am delighted to be involved and back among the cut and thrust of the robot battles. ACTIVATE!”

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The new Robot Wars logo for the series, designed by Jump, has also been unveiled.

(Image: BBC)

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* Dara Ó Briain is hosting this year's British Academy Games Awards, which will take place at Tobacco Dock on 7 April 2016. For more information visit bafta.org/games/awards