Diss Come Dine With Me participant for Norfolk episodes will soon be watching herself on the television

After more than two years of waiting, a woman will finally have her moment of fame when an episode of Come Dine With Me finally airs in the coming weeks.

Hannah Mayhew, from Diss, was chosen from 2,100 applicants to be one of five people to appear on a Norfolk-based episode of the cult hit, which will air during the week of February 19, having been filmed in June 2021.

“I’d had a few drinks and I saw this post online asking for applicants to go on the show,” she said. “I really like a bit of glitz and glamour so I thought I would give it a try.

“They called me for a chat, then I had an interview on Zoom. Before I knew it, I’d been selected.

“I’m quite vivacious and a bit out there, so I think they picked me for the show because they liked that.”

Each episode of Come Dine With Me sees a group of people take turns hosting a dinner party in their homes, with contestants scoring each evening out of 10, as they attempt to win a prize of £1,000.

“I practiced a little bit of cooking beforehand, but mostly I tried to be a fun host,” said the mother of two.

“Other than setting fire to a tea towel, it all went quite smoothly. I had a great time and it was really enjoyable.”

Mrs Mayhew’s husband, Colin, and their two children, Phoebe-Rose, 15, and Ivy-Bluebell, 11, had to keep themselves entertained as a film crew took over their Norfolk home.

“They had to go out for the day, but they were really excited about me being on telly, so they didn’t mind,” added the 39-year-old.

“Overall, it was an amazing experience and a huge amount of fun. I met some really great people and it was brilliant.

“I only entered on the spur of the moment and it’s the first TV show I’ve ever applied to be on.

“I was certainly surprised to be one of the five selected and I’m excited to see what parts they include in the show and how I come across.”

Running for 19 years, the reality TV show airs on Channel 4 and is narrated by comedian and actor Dave Lamb.