Dave Lamb isn’t a famous actor or a big-name comedian. Before Come Dine With Me, he was a jobbing voiceover artist, narrating documentaries and odd bits of television. But this show was his lucky break, and he ran with it like a man who just found a golden ticket.
His style is so distinct that producers actually let him improvise most of his lines. They give him the raw footage, and he just watches and reacts, like you or I would on the sofa. That’s why it feels so natural—because it is. He’s basically getting paid to be the funniest person in your living room.
Inside the life of Come Dine With Me's narrator Dave Lamb as he marks
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What makes Dave so special? It’s his timing. He knows exactly when to drop a deadpan one-liner—like when a guest says the pasta is “al dente” and he mutters: “Al dente is Italian for ‘I forgot to cook it.’” It’s quick, it’s sharp, and it doesn’t overstay its welcome.
He also has a knack for making you feel like you’re in on the joke. You’re not just watching strangers make bad crème brûlée; you’re sharing a knowing smirk with Dave. He’s your co-conspirator in the awkwardness. And that’s a rare gift, especially in a genre that often relies on mean-spirited editing.
Let’s talk about his voice itself. It’s a bit like a posh butler who’s had a few too many gins—warm, but with a sharp edge. He can make the phrase “He’s added too much garlic” sound like a declaration of war. And somehow, he never gets bored, even after thousands of episodes.
