**Title: Tensions Erupt on Come Dine With Me Over Fishmonger Dispute**
Come Dine With Me was marked by a heated argument as the “fish-gate” controversy resurfaced. The conflict among the five contestants ignited earlier in the week when project manager Lauren prepared “sea bass steaks” for her dinner night. Guest fishmonger Bernadette challenged Lauren’s dish, claiming that sea bass steaks do not exist and criticizing the quality as “mediocre,” asserting it was from a supermarket.
On Thursday, February 6, it was Garry’s turn to host, but his Ibiza-inspired menu took a backseat as Lauren and Bernadette clashed once more. Garry, a catering manager, served steak with creamy mash and pan-fried scallops, which led to a discussion about meat consumption. Bernadette stated she only consumed fish and chicken, refusing to eat other meats. Lauren responded, calling her “fussy” and accusing her of having a “bee in her bonnet” about supermarket products.
The argument escalated when Lauren claimed to have consulted other fishmongers who confirmed the existence of sea bass steaks, asserting, “You called me a liar… You are calling yourself a qualified fishmonger but you don’t know if you can get sea bass steaks!” Bernadette retorted, demanding to know, “Says who?” to which Lauren replied, “Says any other fishmonger,” suggesting Bernadette should “go back to fish school.”
Bernadette maintained she hadn’t called Lauren a liar, stating, “I was telling you from a professional point of view, it’s you who is calling yourself a liar.” Civil servant Lydia attempted to defuse the situation, reminding everyone that it was Garry’s night to showcase his cooking skills, saying, “Let’s roll it in, pull it back, enough is enough.”
Garry later expressed his frustration that the argument overshadowed his cooking. Meanwhile, Lauren declared in a confessional, “I’m like a dog with a bone and I won’t have anybody call me a liar.” The show features five strangers taking turns to cook for one another, culminating in scores for each meal. On Lauren’s night, she described her sea bass dish, stating, “I’ve had a sea bass steak before and it’s a really chunky, meaty bit of fish and it’s just a bit different.” Bernadette questioned her experience, asking where she had encountered it before.
