Ep 8. First shown: Wed 26 Oct 2005

Come Dine with Me is a British reality television series that brings together five amateur chefs who take turns to host dinner parties in their homes over the course of a week. Season 2 episode 8, which was first aired on Wed 26 Oct 2005, features a group of enthusiastic cooks who compete to win a £1000 cash prize by impressing their fellow competitors with their culinary skills and hosting abilities.

The episode begins with a brief introduction of each contestant, including their age, occupation, and their reasons for participating in the show. The competitors are a diverse group of individuals, including a retired train driver, a fitness instructor, a mortgage adviser, a car salesman, and a DJ. Each of them is confident in their ability to prepare an excellent meal and eager to demonstrate their culinary prowess.

The first host of the week, Derek, is a retired train driver who lives in a comfortable bungalow. Derek's menu consists of a prawn cocktail starter, lamb with mint sauce, and a homemade apple crumble for dessert. Derek's guests are initially impressed by his friendly demeanor and the simplicity of his menu. However, some of his guests are disappointed by the lack of creativity in his dishes and feel that the meal is too traditional. Despite this, Derek manages to score respectable marks for his hosting skills and the quality of his cooking.

The second host, Sarah, is a fitness instructor who lives in a modern apartment. Sarah's menu includes a spicy seafood soup, chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce, and a chocolate truffle cake for dessert. Sarah's guests are impressed by the variety and complexity of her menu, but some feel that the food is overly spicy and lacks nuance. Sarah receives high marks for her hosting skills but doesn't score as well for the quality of her cooking.

The third host, Dave, is a mortgage adviser who lives in a spacious house. Dave's menu features a smoked salmon blini starter, beef with a red wine jus, and a dark chocolate torte for dessert. Dave's guests are impressed by his attention to detail and the elegance of his dishes. However, some feel that the flavors are too heavy and leave them feeling bloated. Dave receives high marks for both his hosting skills and the quality of his cooking.

The fourth host, Jenny, is a car salesman who lives in a trendy apartment. Jenny's menu features a scallop and black pudding starter, venison with a cranberry and red wine sauce, and a cheese board for dessert. Jenny's guests are impressed by the boldness of her flavors and the adventurous nature of her dishes. However, some are put off by the strong flavors and feel that the meal is too rich and heavy. Jenny receives high marks for her hosting skills but doesn't score as well for the quality of her cooking.

The final host of the week, Mark, is a DJ who lives in a stylish house. Mark's menu includes a salmon and rocket salad starter, duck breast with a cherry sauce, and a cinnamon pear tart for dessert. Mark's guests are impressed by his flair and creativity in the kitchen and appreciate the attention to detail in his dishes. Mark receives high marks for both his hosting skills and the quality of his cooking, making him a strong contender for the prize.

Throughout the week, tensions rise as contestants clash over their differing opinions of the food and the overall experience. The competitors' personalities are often at odds, with strong-willed individuals trying to assert their dominance over the group. However, the contestants ultimately come together to enjoy each other's company and to appreciate the hard work that goes into hosting a successful dinner party.

Come Dine with Me season 2 episode 8 provides a fascinating insight into the world of home cooking and the challenges of hosting a dinner party. The diverse personalities of the contestants make for a compelling viewing experience, as does the variety of dishes and cooking styles on display. Ultimately, only one contestant can win the £1000 prize, and viewers are left to wonder who will come out on top.