Main content

Come Dine With Me and the British Psyche

What elements make up Come Dine With Me, why is it such a successful television show and what motivates contestants to appear on it?

Across 41 series and nearly 1700 episodes, Come Dine With Me has developed into a beloved TV staple, with one publication declaring it 'the greatest show on television'. Featuring four or five contestants each hosting a dinner party in their home and being scored on the results, the show is a reality/game show/cookery hybrid that has captured the public's imagination and spawned versions around the world.

What is it about the show that is so compelling? How is it put together and what motivates the contestants to take part? What does the show say about the British class system and our relationship with food? And what does it take to win the show?

Joining host Hayley Campbell are Pointless host and television producer Richard Osman, journalist Lauren Bravo and the creator of Come Dine With Me, Nell Butler.

Producer: Dale Shaw

Release date:

Available now

48 minutes

Is It a Bird? Can You Identify these Obscure Superheroes

Guess the name if the crime-fighter from their description.

How Bridget Jones Are You?

How similar to the Darcy-loving, large-pant-owning, nicotine-chronicling Bridget are you?

The Strangest Musical Conspiracy Theories

Pop culture has always generated crazy stories, here are just a few of them.

NEWSQUENCH!

How much do you know about Chris Morris?

How much do you know about Twin Peaks?

Did the following scenes actually take place in Twin Peaks or have we made them up?

Zig-A-Zig Whaaaaa? It’s the Ultimate Spice Girls Quiz!

Take the quiz and find out how scary your knowledge is…

How RuPaul’s Drag Race Made the World a Better Place

What has the drag icon RuPaul and his globally successful show given to the world?

Podcast