BBC announces huge Dragons’ Den shake-up as FOUR new moguls join panel ‘to strike fear into the hearts of entrepreneurs’ next year
The BBC has announced that there will be a big change to Dragons’ Den as four new names join the panel for the upcoming series.
The popular series, which first appeared on BBC2 in 2005, will be on our screens again next year.
Dragons’ Den fans will be thrilled to know there will be some new faces in the studio, with Deborah Meaden (66), Peter Jones (59), Touker Suleyman (72), Sara Davies (41) and Steven Bartlett (33) joining the cast.
One of them is former footballer Gary Neville, 50, who guest-starred on the Dragon in the 21st series of the show in January this year.
The football pundit received rave reviews when he appeared on the show earlier this year and will return in 2026.
Speaking about his upcoming role, Gary said: ‘It’s an honor to be invited back to the Den and rejoin the Dragons.
The BBC has announced a major change to Dragons’ Den as FOUR new bosses are set to join the panel for the next series
One of them is former footballer Gary Neville, 50, who appeared as a guest on the 21st series of the show in January this year.
Pass Out singer Tinie Tempah, 36, whose real name is Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, will also appear on the BBC show next year.
‘I met so many fantastic entrepreneurs last time and I’m excited to see the businesses stepping into the Den this time.’
But he’s not the only new face in the study.
36-year-old singer Tinie Tempah is a big name in the music industry; He has released many hits such as Pass Out, Miami 2 Ibiza, Written In The Stars, Frisky and Till I’m Gone.
Alongside music, he became an incredibly successful businessman after founding Disturbing London and launching his own virtual food brand, RAPS.
This year, he founded the label Imhotep to help young creators from underrepresented backgrounds advance their careers.
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 could not turn down.
‘I’m delighted to be a Guest Dragon and can’t wait to see where I can help, add value and of course invest in these amazing businesses and people who step into the Den.’
Another new face is Tropic Skincare Susie Ma, who rose to fame on The Apprentice in 2011.
Another new face is Tropic Skincare Susie Ma, who rose to fame in 2011 on The Apprentice.
The businesswoman may not have won the 11th series, but she did manage to secure investment from Alan Sugar.
It was also named in The Sunday Times’ 40 Under 40 list last year and has a turnover of £68 million.
Susie said: ‘It’s such an honor to join the Den as a guest Dragon.
I founded ‘Tropic’ on a market stall at the age of fifteen and I know the courage, vision and belief it takes to turn a spark of an idea into something extraordinary.
‘I’m here to support the brave ones who start businesses with purpose, creativity and courage – the next generation of change makers.
‘It makes me sad to sit in this iconic chair, and I’m so excited to help brilliant founders bring their dreams to life.’
Jenna Meek, CEO of makeup and skincare brand REFY, said: “I’m so excited to be joining the ‘Dragons’ Den, it’s been a lifelong goal of mine.
‘Dragons’ Den was the reason I became an entrepreneur as I watched it with my dad from such a young age, so it’s incredible to meet so many amazing entrepreneurs who are starting businesses and pushing the boundaries.
Jenna Meek, CEO of makeup and skincare brand REFY, said: “I’m so excited to be joining the ‘Dragons’ Den, it’s been a lifelong goal of mine
‘This is a very empowering environment and I’m excited to be a part of it. It’s also incredible to be here with the Dragons, especially Deborah.
‘He has inspired me from a very young age and I hope I can do the same for someone else.’
Samantha Davies, Executive Producer, BBC Studios Entertainment, said: ‘Audiences are loving the powerful combination of our much-loved regular Dragons and the fresh energy that Guest Dragons bring to the Den – and we’re going bigger than ever on this series.
‘We are thrilled to welcome Gary back with three new business giants who are ready to unveil the next generation of bold, smart and disruptive entrepreneurs. There’s no better place to ignite that passion than here at the Den!’
BBC Entertainment Director Kalpna Patel-Knight said: ‘Peter, Deborah, Touker and Steven – along with terrific guests Dragons – will quiz every aspiring entrepreneur who enters the Den, giving viewers plenty of unmissable moments to look forward to.’
Dragons’ Den airs on Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One and can be watched on iPlayer.
