How To Win Come Dine With Me
Over an astonishing 41 series and 1600 episodes, the game show/reality/cookery hybrid Come Dine With Me has become a beloved television staple. Turn on Channel 4 at any time and chances are you’ll catch an episode. Usually from Tamworth.
But how do you win the coveted £1000 prize?
The Unpopped podcast delved deep into the world of Come Dine With Me alongside the show’s creator Nell Butler, fan and TV producer Richard Osman and journalist and CDWM expert Lauren Bravo.
We’ve extracted these tips on how to emerge victorious.
Know your herbs
There is a stringent audition process to appear on the show, though you don’t have to posses Nigella level culinary skills to bag your spot. But you do need to have some very basic cookery knowledge.
We used to have a cut off that people had to know what coriander was..Come Dine With Me creator Nell Butler
As the Come Dine With Me creator Nell Butler revealed: “We used to have a cut off that people had to know what coriander was.” You don't have to cook with it or produce a sprig when instructed, but you do need to know what it is. So some basic herb research might help.
Know your dishes
It sounds obvious but, for some bizarre reason, people often decide to embark on some complicated, multi-ingredient, flamboyant dishes that they’ve never attempted before. And it invariably ends in disaster.
As Richard Osman recommends, “cook something you know and something you can cook while a film crew's there.”
Don't overreach
Going wildly over the top in your presentation, entertainment or courses could alienate your fellow guests. “The warmth of your welcome is what counts,” Nell tells us. If you get too fancy, no one will appreciate it.
Reveal your insecurities
According to Richard Osman, underdogs always win when it comes to reality television.
Present yourself as sincere, slightly insecure and receptive to the thoughts of others in a ‘when I met you on Monday I really wasn't sure but you’ve really impressed me over the week’ type way and you’ll emerge victorious.
Don't pick fights
It doesn’t matter how obnoxious your fellow guests are, don't be the first one to take them to task. Allow them to make fools of themselves without comment. The group will soon recognise their unsuitability and respond accordingly.
As Richard wisely states, when facing conflict: “Be the second through the door, as my Granddad used to say in the police force. Don’t be the first.”
Get the right day
There’s not much you can do about this, but your position in the week really counts.
As Nell says, “there’s definitely a rhythm to the week.” On the first night, everyone is wary and uncertain and by Wednesday and Thursday they’re tired and fairly hungover. Friday is emotional and usually quite jolly and a good slot to have.
So if there’s a golden rule: “Don’t be on a Monday.”
Go easy on the entertainment
Not everyone chooses to provide entertainment during their evening, but if you do decide to occupy your guests between courses, pick something low energy.
As Richard makes clear, no one wants to hear the words, “now I’m going to make you do some flamenco dancing.”
Especially after a large tagine.
Pucker up
Nell Butler is convinced that Come Dine With Me has hastened the onslaught of socialised kissing when greeting someone at the door “I just don’t think people did that so much before…”
So, if you want to be victorious on Friday night, get your air-kiss game on-point.
Don't worry about the rules
While no-one likes a cheat, the Come Dine With Me rules are lax enough that there’s scope to play fast and loose without being disqualified. There’s no rule that says you have to cook everything yourself, for instance.
In fact, one competitor won by getting caterers to create everything. Just make sure you don't get caught. As Richard Osman says, “It’s like cricket. A lot of things are in the spirit of the game.”
