Ep 1. Southend - Julie-Ann

Come Dine with Me is back for its 30th season and this first episode sees us heading to Southend! We are introduced to Julie-Ann, a divorced mum of two who is hoping to impress her guests with her unique take on a three-course meal.

As always, four guests arrive at Julie-Ann's house for four consecutive nights and each takes turns hosting a dinner party. After the meal, the guests anonymously rate their host out of 10, with the winner going home with a £1000 cash prize.

First up is Julie-Ann's night and she's determined to prove that a difficult year hasn't dampened her spirits. After a warm welcome, she introduces her unusual choice of starter - a cheese, grape and quince jelly Wellington, inspired by her love of savoury and sweet combinations. The dish is well received amongst her guests, which include a self-proclaimed foodie called Mark, a glamorous fashion blogger called Mariam and a dog groomer called Belinda.

For the main course, Julie-Ann has decided on a pork Wellington, stuffed with apple and fennel - which she admits is her signature dish. Despite some initial doubts from her guests, the dish is cooked to perfection, with the pork remaining succulent and the pastry crispy and golden. This is served alongside roasted vegetables and a sweet potato puree, much to the joy of Belinda who confesses her love of all things sweet potato.

Last but not least, it's time for dessert and Julie-Ann decides to switch up the traditional cheese board by cooking up a savoury cheesecake - inspired by a recipe she discovered on a recent holiday in Portugal. Made with three different types of cheese, as well as a healthy helping of rocket and sun-dried tomatoes, the dish is surprisingly light and a hit amongst the guests.

After an evening of great food, good wine and lively conversation, the guests rate Julie-Ann and the scores are revealed. Will her unique menu and charming personality be enough to land her the top spot and that £1000 prize? Only time will tell, as the competition heats up over the next three nights with the other guests taking their turn to host their own dinner party.