Three couples from North London and Hertfordshire go fork to fork. Dawn and Simon, who've been married for 27 years, and hipsters Darren and Sian find themselves to be kindred spirits. But bonding with multilingual lawyer Ayesha, and astrophysicist and spinet-playing Stephen, proves more difficult for some.

Battling it out for the £1000 prize are the 'absolutely fabulous' Martyn and Russell, who've been together for 18 months and think their menu sparkles. Then there're caravan enthusiasts Jane and Colin and 24-hour party people Rachel and Dave. With desserts arriving by zip wire, an impromptu sing-off, and perhaps a little bit too much honesty, this contest is wide open.

Middle-aged couple Helen and husband Lorne put their 24 years of experience together into a safe, solid menu. But tactile lovebirds Ciaran and Anita perceive a lack of passion in the food and, without being asked, try to reignite their spark for them. Finally, Rob still can't believe his luck in meeting his Lithuanian wife Egle and feels the need to regularly pinch himself whenever he looks at her. But which couple will win the cash prize?

With some of the highest divorce rates in the country, three Essex couples hope to last the distance - or at least till the end of this competition - Asset manager Amie and hubby Mark got married last year, and Amie reckons she's in charge - not only of the relationship but in the kitchen too. Veterinary nurse Gemma and teacher Nathan have been together for six years, and Nathan unleashes some home truths about his other half, while the other contestants uncover something about his own quirky past. Completing the line-up are Simon and Suzanne, who've been married for 19 years. Suzanne's determined to win, but will Simon prove a hindrance when things hot up in the kitchen?

German-born Rosie and husband David have been married for 25 years, and are as loved-up now as the day they met. But professional footballer Gary seems to prefer bickering with Linda, his wife of nine years, to being lovey-dovey. The third couple are young newlyweds Melisa and Kyle - who has the appetite of a growing lad and, after he scoffs his own food, starts scoffing his wife's.