Self-styled battle-axe Christine Hamilton enjoyed the dishy good looks of French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli when she dined in the Hell's Kitchen restaurant.

She said: "He has all the allure and charisma of a Frenchman."

Hell's Kitchen features two competing teams led by top British chef Gary Rhodes and French culinary expert Mr Novelli.

Unlike the first series shown on ITV last year led by fiery chef Gordon Ramsay, the food is cooked by members of the public who the viewers vote off until there is a final winner.

Together with husband Neil, the couple from Bradfield Manor near Malmesbury opted for Mr Novelli's menu on Monday night.

Joining them at the table was Daily Mail TV critic Jaci Stephen.

The Hamiltons made a good choice as rival chef in the series andclose acquiantance Gary Rhodes shut up his kitchen because the food produced was below standard.

Mrs Hamilton said: "Gary Rhodes is a friend of ours but both our guests wanted to go with Novelli. We were lucky to get fed because Rhodes shut up the kitchen and one couple only got a starter from him. We went to Hell's Kitchen last year and this time round the food was definitely better. It was top class."

Mrs Hamilton said whisky served 90 minutes before the show left her too merry to remember her starter.

But she did recall having a Dover sole with roasted vegetables.

Mrs Hamilton who had already appeared on the TV reality show I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here gave the food her seal of approval.

She said: "It was great fun and I shall be watching tonight's episode."

Mr Hamilton said: "The food cooked up was great. It was two star Michelin quality. My lamb was very succulent, nice and pink."

Mr Hamilton said it was fun mingling with celebrities like jockey Richard Dunwoody and GMTV presenter Kate Garraway who had Derek Draper, a former aide of cabinet minister Peter Mandelson on her arm.

Fellow panto performer Christopher Biggins was also one of the diners. In total he said there were about 100 famous people in the restaurant.

He said: "Everyone was milling around in the green room before we got served and we were encouraged to get merry. It was a very jolly atmosphere. We arrived at the restaurant, which is set on a disused site in the East End of London, at 8pm and did not get served until 10pm."

Laughing at his wife's fondness for Mr Novelli, Mr Hamilton said: "I don't fancy him myself."

The show's sarcastic presenter Angus Deayton stayed clear of the celebrity couple during the show said Mrs Hamilton. It followed an infamous spat between the two when he previously hosted the BBC programme Have I Got News for You.

Mr Hamilton scotched Angus Deayton by saying that without his autocue, the witty host became awkward and stilted. He said: "Without his autocue he has no spontaneity or personality."