Jamie Lang will be joining Dragons’ Den when the series returns next year.
He and other guest Dragons, Gary Neville, Jenna Meek and Susie Ma, will sit alongside regulars Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett throughout the series.
Laing is an entrepreneur, broadcaster, producer and author. He is co-founder of podcast production company Jampot Productions and of Candy Kittens, which has grown into one of Europe’s fastest-growing confectionery brands and last year acquired graze.
He’s also starred in and executive produced the Disney+ series Raising Chelsea alongside his wife, Sophie Habboo.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Dragons and meeting the entrepreneurs brave enough to step into the Den. Building businesses has been such a huge part of my journey, and I know first-hand what it feels like when people don’t believe in your idea, that sting stays with you,” he said.
“So I want to be the Dragon who does believe, who sees not only what’s possible in someone’s business even when others might not but sees the potential in the entrepreneur. There will always be challenges, mistakes and moments of doubt along the way, but they’re often the most valuable experiences you can have. I can’t wait to bring my own perspective to the Den, ask the right questions, share what I’ve learned, and help the entrepreneurs we meet take their businesses to the next level.”
Jenna Meek will be returning to the show for a second series. The beauty entrepreneur co-founded REFY, which from its Manchester home has become one of the fastest growing beauty brands in the UK.
“I’m so excited to be joining Dragons’ Den for the second season as a guest. The first season was such an incredible experience – from meeting so many inspiring entrepreneurs to hearing their ideas, stories and ambitions, and being able to support them as they build and grow their businesses,” she explained.
“It’s been amazing to see the energy, creativity and determination that goes into building a business, and I’m excited to be part of it all again. There’s so much to look forward to, and I know this is going to be a very exciting series. I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s coming.”
It will be a third time in the den for Gary Neville.
“This will be my third season in the Den and I love every minute of it. I can’t wait to get back in there with the Dragons,” he said.
“For me, it’s always been about the entrepreneurs – their ambition, their stories and, ultimately, whether they’ve got what it takes to build a great business. I’m excited to see who walks through those doors this season.”
The other guest dragon, Susie Ma, who has built one of the UK’s fastest-growing beauty brands with an annual turnover of £68m will join Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett in every episode.
“This series sees one of the most exciting line-ups ever to enter the Den. Alongside our iconic Dragons Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett, we’re thrilled to welcome back fan-favourites Gary Neville, Susie Ma and Jenna Meek, who continue to shake things up with their fresh perspectives and fearless approach to investing,” said Samantha Davies, Executive Producer, BBC Studios Entertainment.
“We’re also delighted to have Jamie Laing make his Den debut this series. He’s an exceptional entrepreneur with infectious energy and ambition, and we can’t wait for audiences to see what happens when he walks through those iconic lift doors.”
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 Entertainment based in Glasgow.
