Thursday night is strictly business on BBC One, with the broadcaster lining up a triple bill of money-minded telly as The Apprentice returns alongside spin-off The Apprentice: Unfinished Business.
But kicking things off at 8pm is the 23rd season of Dragons’ Den, as aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to four of the UK’s best-known investors, hoping to secure backing for their next big idea.
The long-running BBC series sees founders step into the Den to face Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Peter Jones and Steven Bartlett, with investment and tough questioning on the line.
This series also brings back a familiar face for Northern audiences, with Manchester United legend-turned-entrepreneur Gary Neville returning as one of four guest Dragons.
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Which Dragons’ will be lining up this year?
Deborah Meaden
One of the longest-serving Dragons on the show, Meaden joined in 2006 for season three. She has a current portfolio of over 20 investments and began her career working in her family business Weststar, which she later went on to sell. During her time on the show she’s pledged £6m.
Touker Suleyman
Suleyman joined Dragons’ Den in 2013 and over the years has pledged nearly £4m to businesses brought into the Den. He is known for his work in the fashion industry and began working at 18 in retail, and now owns brands Ghost and Hawes & Curtis.
Peter Jones
Jones is the only original member of Dragons’ Den, having been part of the show since it began in 2005. Since the start he’s pledged nearly £8m in total investments and is known for his wide-ranging business portfolio.
Steven Bartlett
The youngest Dragon ever, Bartlett joined the show at 28 back in series 19. Despite only being on the show for a few seasons he’s already pledged £3.5m. Bartlett is best known as the founder of global media and investment company Flight Story.
READ MORE: Inside the Manchester studio where BBC’s Dragons’ Den is filmed
What guest Dragons will appear?
The new season also features four guest Dragons stepping into the Den.
Jenna Meek
Meek joins as a guest Dragon and is best known for co-founding beauty brand Refy alongside content creator Jess Hunt in 2020.
Tinie Tempah
While best known for his music, Tinie Tempah has moved into investment in recent years, backing companies such as Drip Water — which has grown into a £100m business.
Gary Neville
He’s back after appearing as a guest Dragon in season 21. Neville, who began his career as a footballer at Manchester United, has since built a growing portfolio across business and property — including spearheading the £450m landmark development project St. Michael’s in Manchester.
Susie Ma
Ma returns to BBC One having first appeared on The Apprentice in 2011. Alan Sugar invested £200,000 in her skincare brand Tropic Skincare, before she later bought him out and became the sole owner.
Dragons’ Den is available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer tonight at 8pm.
