More than a million viewers have tuned in week after week for two years – the third series of the show premiered on Monday – hoping not for cookbook-worthy meals and compliments, but backstabbing and bitchiness.

And thankfully, Seven gives its audience what it wants. Only days into the new series, a ‘‘villain’’ has already been cast in South Australian Jennifer – where others are referred to by their job title or relationship status, Jennifer’s just known as ‘‘princess’’.

Given the disturbing backlash towards similarly irritating Tasmanian Melanie Maddock – who received death threats after appearing in the show last year (it’s a reality TV show, people!) – Jennifer better be locking her doors at night.

On Wednesday it’s Jennifer and her florist friend Leigh’s turn to host their 10 fellow contestants – and chef judges Pete Evans and Manu Feildel – for dinner.

‘‘I don’t know what the princess tag is all about,’’ whinges Jennifer, as the camera cuts to footage of her strolling with a designer handbag under one arm and a tiny dog under the other, looking for all the world like an Adelaide-based Paris Hilton.

The women are cooking a Thai-inspired three-course meal, kicked off with an entree of ‘‘fish floss’’ (essentially shredded, deep fried fish). Despite Evans advising them to add some spices, Jennifer puts her foot down. ‘‘It’s my mum’s recipe and I’m going to do it my way.’’

Cue an unforseen stuff-up (‘‘the oil’s not hot enough!’’) and the inevitable panicking and fear the dishes won’t be delivered on time.

You know exactly what’s going to happen – perhaps aside from what will be on the scorecards delivered by rival contestants and judges at the end of the meal – but it doesn’t stop it from being entertaining.

My Kitchen Rules is like chowing down on fast food: you know it’s not really good for you, but it sure is enjoyable.

Seven, Monday–Wednesday, 7.30pm.