Come Dine With Me Season 9 Episode 23 First shown: Wed 16 Sep 2009

Come Dine with Me is one of the most beloved dinner party shows on British television. In this episode, which first aired on Wednesday, September 16th, 2009, the competition between four amateur chefs heats up as they each try to outdo the others with their culinary creations and entertaining skills.

The first contestant is Barbara, a retired nurse who is known for her love of seafood. She welcomes her guests into her home with an array of seafood appetizers, including smoked salmon mousse and crab cakes. For her main course, Barbara serves up a crab linguine dish, which she pairs with a crisp white wine. Her guests are impressed by her attention to detail and her ability to put them at ease, despite the competition.

The second contestant is Martin, a self-proclaimed foodie who is passionate about cooking and entertaining. He greets his guests with a selection of cocktails, including a striking blue concoction made with blue curaçao and vodka. Martin's menu consists of an amuse-bouche of scallops served with a tropical salsa, followed by a lamb shank with a red wine jus. For dessert, Martin serves a decadent chocolate cake with homemade vanilla ice cream. His guests are impressed with his presentation and creativity.

The third contestant is Caroline, a schoolteacher who is known for her sweet tooth. She welcomes her guests with a glass of bubbly and a platter of assorted sweets, including homemade fudge and macarons. Caroline's menu features a starter of goat's cheese and beetroot salad, followed by a slow-cooked beef stew with mashed potatoes. For dessert, Caroline serves a classic British treat: sticky toffee pudding with vanilla custard. Her guests appreciate her attention to detail and the thought that went into her menu.

The final contestant is John, a retired police officer who is something of a wild card. He greets his guests with a glass of sherry and some surprising conversation, including a tale of how he once wrestled a bear. John's menu is equally unexpected, featuring dishes like smoked haddock chowder and rabbit stew. For dessert, John serves a traditional Yorkshire pudding filled with lemon curd and topped with whipped cream. His guests are both entertained and intrigued by his adventurous menu.

Throughout the episode, the four contestants take turns hosting dinner parties in their homes and scoring each other's efforts. They're a lively and opinionated bunch, with plenty of laughs and drama along the way. But in the end, only one of them will emerge as the winner of the £1,000 prize.

Come Dine with Me is a fun and entertaining show that captures the spirit of British hospitality and culinary creativity. Whether you're a foodie or just enjoy a good dinner party, this episode is sure to leave you hungry for more. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!