The BBC has announced a huge Dragons’ Den shake-up as four new moguls are set to join the panel for the upcoming series.
The popular show, which first hit our screens on BBC2 in 2005, will be back on our screens next year.
Dragons’ Den fans will excited to know that there are going to be some new faces in the studio alongside Deborah Meaden, 66, Peter Jones, 59, Touker Suleyman, 72, Sara Davies, 41, and Steven Bartlett, 33.
And one of them is former footballer Gary Neville, 50 – who appeared on the 21st series of the show in January this year as a guest Dragon.
The footie pundit received rave reviews when he was on the show earlier this year and he’s going to be back in 2026.
Speaking about his upcoming stint, Gary said: ‘It’s an honour to be invited back into the Den and join the Dragons again.
The BBC has announced a huge Dragons’ Den shake-up as FOUR new moguls are set to join the panel for the upcoming series
One of them is former footballer Gary Neville, 50 – who appeared on the 21st series of the show in January this year as a guest Dragon
Pass Out singer Tinie Tempah, 36, real name Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, will also appear on the BBC programme next year
‘I met so many fantastic entrepreneurs last time and I’m excited to see the businesses that step into the Den this time around.’
But he isn’t the only new face in the den.
Singer Tinie Tempah, 36, is a huge name in the music industry, having released a number of hits including Pass Out, Miami 2 Ibiza, Written In The Stars, Frisky and Till I’m Gone.
As well as music, he’s an incredibly successful businessman after co-finding Disturbing London and launching his own virtual food brand RAPS.
This year he founded label Imhotep – to help young creatives, from underrepresented backgrounds, progress in their career.
Tinie, whose real name is Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, said: ‘I have a keen interest in supporting emerging entrepreneurs as well as investing in a wide-ranging portfolio of businesses, so Dragons’ Den was an opportunity I simply couldn’t turn down.
‘I am ecstatic to become a Guest Dragon and look forward to seeing where I can help, bring value and of course invest in some of these brilliant businesses and people that step into the Den.’
Another new face is Tropic Skincare Susie Ma, who shot to fame on The Apprentice in 2011.
Another new face is Tropic Skincare Susie Ma, who shot to fame on The Apprentice in 2011
The businesswoman may not have won the 11th series, but she managed to get an investment from Alan Sugar.
She has also been named in The Sunday Times 40 Under 40 list last year and has a turnover of £68million.
Susie said: ‘It’s an absolute honour to join the Den as a Guest Dragon.
‘I started Tropic from a market stall at fifteen, and I know the grit, vision and belief it takes to turn a spark of an idea into something extraordinary.
‘I’m here to back the bold – the next generation of changemakers building businesses with purpose, creativity and courage.
‘Sitting in that iconic chair is a pinch-me moment, and I’m so excited to help brilliant founders bring their dreams to life.’
Jenna Meek, who is CEO of make-up and skincare brand REFY, said: ‘I am so excited to be joining Dragons’ Den, this has been a lifelong goal of mine.
‘Dragons’ Den is the reason I became an entrepreneur, from watching it with my dad from such a young age, so it is incredible to be able to meet so many amazing entrepreneurs building businesses and pushing the boundaries.
Jenna Meek, who is CEO of make-up and skincare brand REFY, said: ‘I am so excited to be joining Dragons’ Den, this has been a lifelong goal of mine
‘It is such an empowering environment and I am thrilled to be a part of it. It’s also incredible to be here alongside the Dragons, especially Deborah.
‘She’s inspired me from such a young age, and I hope I can do the same for someone else.’
Samantha Davies, Executive Producer, BBC Studios Entertainment said: ‘Audiences love the powerful combination of our much-loved regular Dragons and the fresh energy Guest Dragons bring to the Den – and this series, we’re going bigger than ever.
‘We’re thrilled to welcome back Gary, alongside three formidable new business titans, all ready to uncover the next generation of bold, brilliant and disruptive entrepreneurs. There’s no better place to ignite that ambition than right here in the Den!’
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC said: ‘Peter, Deborah, Touker and Steven – alongside the formidable guest Dragons – will promise to grill every aspiring entrepreneur who enters the Den, providing plenty of unmissable moments for viewers to look forward to.’
Dragons’ Den airs Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
