Dragons’ Den has confirmed the line-up for the 2026 season, with one change being made following the exit of Sara Davies. One familiar face is returning in a guest appearance, while there are three new temporary dragons.
The long-running BBC series is due to return next year with its 23rd season, with Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman and Steven Bartlett all coming back to the iconic hotseat.
The quartet will be joined by a rotating set of guests, with former professional footballer Gary Neville returning following his appearance last year. He will be accompanied by Tinie Tempah, Jenna Meek and Susie Ma, all of whom are making their debuts.
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“It’s an honour to be invited back into the Den and join the Dragons again,” said Neville. “I met so many fantastic entrepreneurs last time and I’m excited to see the businesses that step into the Den this time around.”
“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,” added Brit Award-winning musician Tempah.
BBC
BBC
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“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.”
Ma, who appeared in the seventh season of The Apprentice in 2011, said: “It’s an absolute honour to join the Den as a Guest Dragon… 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.”
BBC
BBC
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“This has been a lifelong goal of mine,” said Meek, who works in the beauty industry. “Dragons’ Den is the reason I became an entrepreneur… 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,” she continued.
Dragons’ Den airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.