I answered my own question. firstly to get it out from under the kitchen units (mine was fitted) there are two screws at the bottom front corners, this will allow you to lower the feet at the back. Then once out remove the lower backplate at the back of the machine, you will see the element right in front of you (its obvious). Make sure the electric supply is off (as you would have done at the beginning of this procedure wouldn't you) and unplug the earth and connectors. the hoses are held on by two spring clamps , just squeeze these together and they should come off easy. In my case the diagnosis was easy as the element tested open cct. Once my replacement arrived then reverse the procedure however I found the spring loaded clips were not sealing properly so I ended up with two Jubilee clips instead.. sorted!
dave
February 2010