Food: Dream dinner

I love having dinner parties. I love cooking and it's so nice to have friends over - I much prefer it to going out to clubs. I can only have a few people over for a meal at my place in Yorkshire as my table only seats four. However, when I'm back in London my place is bigger so I can have more guests. Sheree Murphy and Liz Estenson (who play Tricia and Diane) two of my best mates on set, come over for dinner quite often.

Dream guest list

Well, I thought that as Emmerdale is celebrating it's 30th birthday this year I'd throw a huge bash and invite all of the cast. There are about 50 of us now, but since this is my dream party I'd be able to fit them in my house, of course. I'd also invite a few old mates from Home And Away like my dear old friend Ray Meagher, who plays Alf, and of course Fisher (Norman Coburn) would have to come too. I'd invite my mum and my brother because I miss them and don't see them as much as I'd like to. And as a special treat for me, John Corbett, who plays Aidan in Sex And The City, would be my dream date for the evening.

Starter

The starter would have to be rocket and parmesan salad. I love it, it's very easy to make and it tastes beautiful with balsamic dressing.

Main course

I adore Italian food. When I'm in London I eat at the most gorgeous little Italian place, called Scalini's, in Kensington. So I'll definitely try to whip up something Italian. Since this is my dream party I'll get Luigi the chef to come along and give me a hand.

Dessert

It would be pavlova for pudding - my favourite thing. Lots of fresh fruit, passion fruit, strawberries and heaps of cream, it would be so yummy.

Drinks

I'd serve lots of lovely champagne, bottles of the stuff, as it goes perfectly with pasta.

Entertainment

I wouldn't need to hire the entertainment as I'm sure the guests would provide it. I'd have Sheree tap dancing, Liz doing impersonations, Billy Hartman (Terry) singing opera and Freya (Angie) performing all the show tunes with Stan (Seth) on the piano. Mark Chapman (Marlon) and Dominic Brunt who plays Paddy, would do their rendition of Emmerdale: The Musical which is hysterical. Deena, who plays Viv, reads Tarot cards, so I'd get her to do that for the other guests after the meal. I could try and persuade Ray to get out his didgeridoo, but the neighbours would probably come round to complain...

Linguine puttanesca

Serves 4

YOU WILL NEED

455g/1lb dried linguine

extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves chopped garlic

2 small dried chillies, chopped

1 tsp dried oregano

2 tins chopped tomatoes

10 anchovy fillets

handful of stoned olives

handful of capers

handful of fresh basil

Cook the linguine in salted, boiling water

until it is al dente. Warm the olive oil (enough to thinly cover the bottom of the pan) on a medium heat and fry the garlic, chillies and oregano till soft. Add the tomatoes to the mixture and simmer until it thickens. While it is simmering, add the anchovies, olives and capers and cook for five minutes. Meanwhile, drain the pasta, and toss it in the sauce. Garnish with basil, drizzle with more oil and season to taste. Serve with fresh bread and salad.

Celebrity scoffers

Pamela Anderson proves that not all Californian beach blondes shun food. Sara Cox makes up for missing breakfast with a hearty lunch. Sarah Dunn, Hollyoaks' Mandy, hopes the mustard on her hot dog doesn't ruin her white poncho. Denise Van Outen covers her mouth like a true lady, for once.

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