Alton Towers is closing iconic Nemesis rollercoaster in November

It's a day that thrillseekers up and down the country had hoped would never happen; Nemesis is closing.

The news will come as a shock to fans of the park who have experienced the hair-raising twists and turns of the iconic rollercoaster.

Alton Towers shared the news on its social channels, warning customers that they only have a few weeks left until it's switched off.

In a post to Facebook, the theme park said: "By order of the Phalanx. Nemesis is closing. You have until 6th November to ride."

The ride has been a favourite among customers since it opened back in 1994, and the news of its closure left many people confused and quite upset.

Commenting on the post, one user said: "I was there the weekend it opened...Alton Towers please just don't...all my favourite childhood memories are there and always will be. I was only there last month too."

Another chimed in: "Wow I used to work on that ride 20 years ago, it was the star attraction then. What a ride."

"Best ride there!" put a third.

While another added: "Best ride there out them all. Hope its no closing for good."

Well, we have some good news for you, because despite the worrying - and pretty cryptic - post, the ride is not closing down for good. Phew.

Bosses said that the Nemesis is just being shut temporarily while a new track is laid down, and will be reopening in 2024.

The theme park said details regarding the work are being 'kept under wraps' until nearer the time.

Kate McBirnie, Head of Product Excellence at Alton Towers Resort, said: "Nemesis is Europe’s first ever inverted rollercoaster, which has been exciting thrillseekers since 1994. 

"The legendary rollercoaster is loved by thrillseekers across the UK and beyond, and we want to give fans of the ride the opportunity to experience Nemesis in its current form before it closes on November 6."

Earlier this year, visitors to the park in Staffordshire wound up stuck on Oblivion.... on one of the hottest days of the year.

For those unfamiliar with Oblivion, the ride suspends you in mid-air just before a 180ft drop into an underground tunnel in a bone-chillingly scary moment, which lasted longer than expected for some passengers because the ride got stuck as the carriage came towards the edge.

Fortunately, however, staff were able to get them down safely.

It's not a bad story to have, though, is it?