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Are the contestants on Come Dine With Me paid?

Come Dine with Me contestants
Do you get paid for taking part on Come Dine with Me? (Picture: Channel 4)

Come Dine with Me has been on air since 2005, providing some iconic moments that have become a part of British culture.

The haughty response of one contestant has spawned one of the most popular memes on social media – ‘what a sad little life Jane’ an immediately recognised reference.

If you’ve always wanted to take part, you might be wondering if there’s any extra benefits to inviting the nation to judge your cooking and entertaining skills.

If you’re thinking of applying to be on Come Dine with Me, can you expect to be paid?

Do you get paid to appear on Come Dine with Me?

Contestants don’t get paid a fee to appear, but they do receive a budget for food and drink.

Contestants are given an allowance of £125 to spend on food and entertainment for their evening.

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Speaking to the Daily Record, former contestant Craig Alexander Wilson revealed that contestants will often spend more than that though – and it’s out of their own pocket.

Speaking about his own experience, he said: ‘The producers give you £125 to buy food. That’s OK if you want to serve up pie and mash but not when you want to lavish your new pals with edible gold glitter, scallops and bottles of pink Champagne.

‘My food went down well but the booze went down even better.

As well as three bottles of Champagne, I bought a litre of Grey Goose vodka, some Chambord liqueur, four bottles of Shiraz , four of Sancerre and a case of beer. By the end of the night, there wasn’t a drop left.’

So, the budget can help take the edge off, but if you want to secure the win, you might be looking at dipping into your own bank account.

Which, depending on how much you spend, might be worth it.

There is still a handsome pay-out for the winning contestant – whoever is voted the top host and chef of the competition gets £1,000 prize money.

Come Dine With Me airs on weekday mornings on Channel 4.


MORE : Who is the narrator of Come Dine With Me?


MORE : What time is Come Dine With Me on Channel 4 and is it on every day?

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