Come Dine with Me Season 5: Episode Guide & Ratings

Interior designer Carlos Buller, from Come Dine With Me Manchester, knows how to throw a good party. The self-assured chef thinks he's the don of dinner party hosting because he "knows what people want". "They want the best and nothing but the best and I will give them that," he chirrups.

Extrovert housing officer Susan Bicknell, from Come Dine With Me Manchester, has a lot of energy and admits she "can do people's heads in sometimes". She doesn't mind opinions but doesn't want to join any opinion parties - whatever they are. Right you are, Susan

Performing artist, Dan Cumberland, from Come Dine With Me Manchester, is a vegetarian who believes people should be able to kill what they eat. He likes his food to be as pure as possible. "I don't like food that's been radio-actified," he admits. Well Dan, it's an acquired taste.

Straight-talking mother-of-two, Karen Oulton, is incredibly honest and won't eat anything just to be polite. She claims not to like confrontation but, having got off to a bad start with Carlos on the first day and offended Dan on the third, she seems to be running out of friends fast.

Night club manager Stuart Burke describes himself as a flamboyant, outgoing and lively personality who's not afraid to experiment in the kitchen. He's also very critical - so let's hope he can live up to his own exacting standards.