Couples Come Dine with Me

Battling it out for the £1000 prize are the absolutely fabulous Martyn and Russell, whove been together for 18 months and think their menu sparkles. Then therere caravan enthusiasts Jane and Colin and 24-hour party people Rachel and Dave. With desserts arriving by zip wire, an impromptu sing-off, and perhaps a little bit too much honesty, this contest is wide open.

With some of the highest divorce rates in the country, three Essex couples hope to last the distance - or at least till the end of this competition - Asset manager Amie and hubby Mark got married last year, and Amie reckons shes in charge - not only of the relationship but in the kitchen too. Veterinary nurse Gemma and teacher Nathan have been together for six years, and Nathan unleashes some home truths about his other half, while the other contestants uncover something about his own quirky past. Completing the line-up are Simon and Suzanne, whove been married for 19 years. Suzannes determined to win, but will Simon prove a hindrance when things hot up in the kitchen?

Taking up the culinary gauntlet in the East Midlands are partners Kev and Chelsey, Jayne and Ricky, and straight-talking Louise and Mark. Kicking off the competition with some posh nosh are Kev and Chelsey, who reckon their expensive ingredients will help them bag the prize, but Kev is less than impressed when everyone wants their steak well done. Up next is the turn of 1940s enthusiasts Jayne and Ricky who want to throw a dinner party themed on the Second World War. But their rations style menu goes down badly with Kev and Chelsey. Last to host are Louise and Mark, who want to push the boat out with their menu, but some culinary mishaps let them down. Revelations about their unconventional living arrangements prompt a few home-truths and confrontations.

Sam and Nick produce a simple menu which reflects their busy lives. With two businesses, and four children, they have very little time for anything else, and spend little time together. Second couple, Maria and her husband Terry, have been married an impressive 28 years. They create a night of Asian cuisine inspired by Terrys travels to Thailand. Last to host are computer salesman Dave and his girlfriend Sarah, who plan to focus their attention on a fun evening with good quality food. However, Sarahs exacting standards and attention to detail have the potential to derail their day. The evening ends on a high, as Dave and Sarah turn their galley kitchen into the worlds smallest rock club, complete with decks, smoke machine, and flashing lights.

In Kent three rival couples battle it out. Married West End performers Millie and Andy are the first to host. The kitchen is Millies domain and she channels her family roots for the Greek Cypriot menu. Their first guests are newlyweds Sam and Emma, followed by dinner party enthusiasts Alex and Richard. Day two its the turn of fashion conscious duo Sam and Emma, who hope to wow their guests with a glamorous themed evening, including spray-painting a beef Wellington gold. On the last day, Alex and Richard are calm, collected, and on the ball. Sam and Millie find out that the couple keep a dinner party diary dating back to 1992, having hosted over 500. But who is Bear?

Married couple Howard and Lisa kick off the competition as Lisa takes control in the kitchen. According to Lisa, Howard is so laid back hes almost dead! Day two sees Michael and Jenni host. Eyebrows are raised at Mikes collection of model buses. Awkward moments continue when Luke discovers a hair in his starter. Finally its the turn of Luke and Louise to host and they manage to put in a polished performance, apart from their main course, where the over-cooked prawns lead Michael to open up about the time he got food hepatitis from a prawn salad....

Three couples cook up a feast in a bid to win the prize. Taking on the culinary baton are Esther and her show-off husband Darryl, quirky Louise and her partner David, and flamboyant theatre loving Carl, and his more reserved husband Brian. The competition reveals a love of a bargain, some strange fascinations, and a few discoveries in the closet.

Am dram enthusiasts Hilary and Rowan get the competition underway with Hilary taking control in the kitchen. The food fails to hit the spot, and the evening is over-shadowed by Nancy, who cant stop talking. Day two sees Nancy, who is half Portugese, and Dean, who is Jamaican, put on a dinner party that reflects their heritage Finally, its the turn of Ian and Hannah, and Hannah reveals a very unique technique Ian uses to water the veg theyve just been eating - which causes a few raised eyebrows, as does a chat amongst the couples telling their partners what theyd most like to change about them.

Ollie and his girlfriend Deb think their holiday inspired menu has what it takes to win. Day two is the turn of competitive footballer Luke and his fiancée Nikki who, despite having never been to the country, feel sure their Thai menu will win them the cash prize. Jemima and Marks Spanish-themed meni is inspired by their many holidays to Spain. The evening sees a sweaty confession from Mark, an underwhelming paella, and an arm wrestling match aimed at settling the alpha male competition once and for all.

Super competitive husband and wife Kenny and Lisa kick things off with a meal that they think is restaurant quality - no less. Their guests have mixed opinions on this. Night two and its the turn of the tribal elders Julie and Keith. They end up serving two very similar courses (by accident) and despite thinking theyll get away with it, they dont. Kate and Mike serve a Tex-Mex menu inspired by Kates homeland of Texas.

Married couple Caroline and Steve, newly engaged Jade and Seb and married co-workers Bev and Nick vie for the crown and the cash in Plymouth. The competition this time includes a complex Middle Eastern menu, accusations of schoolboy errors and tales of hard times which dont elicit universal sympathy...

The first dining duo are foster carer Sandra and her hubby Graham who met in the army over 17 years ago. The second couple are 38 year-old travel agent Joanne and her 32 year-old partner Simon, and completing the line-up are housewife Helen and banking manager Adam.

Nicky and Lees night features scallops with a white chocolate foam and Lee dressing as a hotdog. Ghost hunter Richard and his wife Julia aim to impress with their traditional menu, which includes a homemade pate. Finally, its Dave and Gemmas turn to host. While Dave takes charge in the kitchen, Lee changes into a belly dancer.

Fun-loving young couple Amy and Matt kick off the competition with a chaotic performance in the kitchen. Day two sees Paula and Andy cooking up a selection of family favourites. Finally, its Sharon and Simons chance to show the others how it should be done. But can Simon turn on the charm enough to impress his guests and bag the cash prize?

Rachel and Mark launch the competition with an Asian themed menu, inspired by their passion for travelling. But outspoken sisters Sue and Joyce are not loving the sushi. On day two eyebrows are raised when baked beans are served with chives by Sue and Joyce. On day three its Philippes chance to show the Brits how it should be done as he bosses wife Trish around the kitchen.

Greater Manchester is the location for three couples to host a trio of dinner parties. Married couple Colette and Richard kick off the competition with their glitz and glam evening inspired by Colettes love of all things shiny. Theyre joined by professional Thai boxer Candy and her fellow fighter and partner Michael, who dont hold back when it comes to their opinions on the food, somewhat unsettling their hosts. The third couple are food technology teacher Kim and her fireman boyfriend Sean.

In Belfast, Sarah and Paddy kick things off with a fine-dining feast. The hosts mix Eastern and traditional fayre for guests Louise and Danny, and Emma and Samson.

A trio of couples try to outdo each other in Aberdeen, coming up with an Ibizan fiesta, an evening of posh nosh and dinner party classics and a vegetarian-influenced menu.

In Nottingham, fun-loving couple Karen and Irena kick off the competition with a no-frills menu of belly-busting comfort food. They are joined by Clayton and Nina, and Lee and Maemae.

In Plymouth, Michelle and Sean get the week off to a stylish start with their classical evening. They are joined by charity worker Amber and marine engineer Lee, and retirees Adam and Mark.

In Newcastle, Sharna and Silvar are first to host with a menu of family favourites. They are joined by sprightly couple Shannon and Max, and loved-up partners Charlotte and Russ.

In Cardiff, newly-weds Laura and Sean, fine-dining-fan Lesley and Keith, and Rachel and Lee compete in a week featuring fruity surprises, posh nosh and controversial curry.

Theres unimpressive beef, Korean chicken on a crumpet, hot tub fanciness and a shocking revelation in Yorkshire, as indie kids Johnny and Lucy take on Claire and Matt, and Net and Bob.

Jan and Anton host first in Birmingham, with a Spanish menu, before Chris and Kelly and Bally and Manjeet take their turns entertaining the others in the hope of winning £1,000.

In north London, Helen and her outspoken boyfriend David, Vicky and her partner Geoff, and Sara and her husband Thierry compete in a week featuring the fashions and food of the 1980s.

In Glasgow, Melanie and her husband David, Kenny and his husband Kenny, and Ami and her husband Stuart compete in a week featuring a Celtic-fusion menu and some belting bagpipes.

In Cardiff, fun first-time hosts Abi and Jake, vegan couple Ashleigh and Jack, and 52-year-olds Karen and James compete in a week featuring some American grub and a fully plant-based menu.

In Nottingham, Omer and his wife Adeeba, sustainable food growers Bobby and Alison, and Liz and Stuart compete in a week featuring experimental food, a compost loo and a stately home.

In the North East, married duo Lynne and Ian, newly-weds Jess and Connor and engaged couple Tom and Sam compete in a high-energy week featuring plate smashing and a Shirley Bassey serenade.

In the West Country, handyman Sam and his wife Kate, festival lovers Aron and Kath, and Colin and Kate compete in a week featuring disastrous dishes and a peculiar pantomime performance.