Dragons’ Den will return next year with a host of new guest dragons, including the return of entrepreneur and former footballer, Gary Neville.
There will also be new Guest Dragons, Tinie Tempah, Manchester-based Jenna Meek and Susie Ma, who’ll line-up alongside Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman and Steven Bartlett.
Jenna Meek is a beauty entrepreneur, having launched her first venture, SHRINE a festival make up and cosmetic glitter brand at 20. In 2020 she co-founded REFY, which from its Manchester home has become one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the UK with an annual turnover of more than £40m.
“I am so excited to be joining Dragons’ Den, this has been a lifelong goal of mine,” said Meek.
“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. 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.”
Tinie Tempah may be best known as a rapper, with UK number one, Pass Out. But he also co-founded a record label, publishing company and creative agency. He’s also behind RAPS—a virtual soul food brand alongside Chef Hasan Semay (Big Has) and the food incubator Kitchen Ventures.
“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,” said Tempah.
“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.”
Susie Ma is a former The Apprentice finalist (2011) and secured funding from Lord Sugar, despite not being a winner. Her brand, Tropic Skincare now turns over £68m,
“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,” she explained.
“I’m here to back the bold – the next generation of change-makers 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.”
READ MORE – Gary Neville invests in sports start-up led by former M&C Saatchi entrepreneur
Samantha Davies, Executive Producer, BBC Studios Entertainment added:
“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!”
Dragons’ Den is commissioned for BBC One and iPlayer by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC. The programme is produced by BBC Studios Factual Entertainment based in Glasgow, led by Creative Director Adeline Ramage Rooney.
The Executive Producer for BBC Studios is Samantha Davies and the Series Producer is Martyn Bon. The Commissioning Editor for BBC Entertainment is Sarah Clay.
Dragons’ Den will return in 2026.
