Croydon’s Come Dine with Me contestants were joined by a slithering sixth dinner guest last night.

Office administer Sarah Marie Palmer surprised her guests with the appearance of her pet snake, Princess.

Though amateur dramatics director Rob was happy to hold Princess, make-up artist Vanessa was less than impressed and stayed well clear.

Sarah treated her guests to a starter of West Indian butternut squash and pumpkin soup for vegetarian guests and a chicken version for the meat-eaters.

The starter went down surprisingly well with spice-wary Keith who refused to eat Vanessa's spicy baked crab starter on Wedensday.

For her main Sarah served a thai green fish curry and a tofu and aubergine version for vegetarians Suzie and Robert.

Vanessa said: "The thai green curry was a little bit watery, a bit tasteless but she made the effort and that's what counts."

Sarah finished her meal with a white chocolate mud cake served with raspberry coulis, to the delight of all her guests.

Robert said the desert was a really good choice after the spicy main.

Despite tensions continuing to rise between Vanessa and Keith, the guests all seemed to enjoy themselves.

On her chances of winning the £1,000 prize money, Sarah said: "Vanessa set the bar with her food. I don't think my food will be giving her food a run for the money."

Sarah was awarded a score of 31 which puts her in joint first place with Vanessa so far to win the prize money.

Sarah said: "I'm pleased with myself. I had a good night, I hope my guest's had a good night."

Tonight it is part-time vegetarian Robert's turn to display his culinery skills, but will he be able to beat Vanessa or Sarah?

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