Adolf Hitler
Josef Stalin
Pol Pot
Robert Mugabe
Kim Jong-il
Francisco Franco
Benito Mussolini
Augusto Pinochet

Hosted by the Vatican.

Actually Col, I referring to Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton, the Englishman.

I think you may be refferring to Richard Walter Jenkins, the Welsh alcoholic actor.

This was a lot harder than I thought - so many to choose from and so little time. I was going to add Ernest Hemingway to mine but thought the inevitable clash with Germaine might create a bit of tension.

Spikey
I would be a bit scared at your dinner table but the discussion would be enlightening.

Col
No humble pie for Germaine and Bob. I thought Maggie might make an appearance at your table - I agree there would be some wonderful one-liners and no-nonsense discussion if anyone else could get a word in - actually I take that back Billy Connolly would be a hard act to beat and Freddie would throw a wild card into the mix. And the lovely Nigella (is she cooking?). :)

Fractelle
I concur Julian Burnside would be an interesting addition as would Oscar Wilde and the Dalai Lama. And yes no problems with double ups as there are no rules. As I said you don't even have to like your choice necessarily.

Pericles
As usual, along with your valiant debating skills and wisdom, your group would prove interesting entertainment and stimulating conversation.

Examinator
Clive Hamilton and John Cleese - now that is a table I would like to be a fly on the wall. Attenborough and Jones would get on well I think - both very wrapped up in their world and a bit eccentric in a nice way.

RObert
You are a sweetie to include your girlfriend. Just make sure John Cleese doesn't take a fancy to her - I've heard he likes the ladies. :)

Gibo
Why am I not surprised. But you would love it I am sure. Jesus Christ would be an interesting addition, we could get a few straight answers. I am not sure I could cope with the two Jimmies.

Bugsy
Your list is very highbrow and I can just imagine the lines of conversation - didn't realise your second choice was Voltaire (you learn something everyday).

Spikey,

That's my list.

Don't forget Idi Amin & Saddam Hussain.

But I would hate to imagine what might be on the menu.

David Attenborough
Richard Dawkins
Germaine Greer
Rowan Williams
Bob Hawk
Oscar Wild
Peter Ustinov
The Pope

I think this list would provide some interesting and spirited controversy

My dinner party guest list is as follows:

Rowan Atkinson
Dawn French
Andrew Denton
Cate Blanchett
Judi Dench
Stephen Fry
Helen Mirren
Peter Ustinov

I've gone over the limit - but I want them all.