The vault has been ransacked to countdown the top 30 best bits ever.

During over a thousand episodes, hundreds of people have attempted to host the ultimate dinner party and claim the £1000 prize. These vintage clips show the good, the bad and the downright ugly.

Wannabe cooks with their menu mishaps range from serving pigs trotters for a main to sausage trifle for dessert.

Bad hosting includes the one who fell asleep, leaving her guests to do the cooking.

Celebrity contestants include Lesley Ash making a meal out of cooking a lamb roast to Big Brother's Brian Belo's befuddlement in the presence of Page 3 model Sophie Reade.

There's sporting shenanigans as footballer Neil Ruddock bares all and England's rugby legends prove boys will be boys.

There is also a flirting frenzy between a gigolo and a school teacher, and the most unlikely coming together between a pensioner and a hairdresser.

Along the way, the guest from hell is revealed.

Come Dine with Me Top 30

Dave Lamb

Season 28

Season 26

Amateur chefs compete against each other by hosting a dinner party for the other contestants. Each competitor then rates the host's performance with the winner winning a £1,000 cash prize. An element of comedy is added to the show through comedian Dave Lamb, who provides a dry and "bitingly sarcastic" narration.

Come Dine with Me Top 30

Seasons51

Cast1

Discussion

Episode Summary