New Faces Join the Dragons’ Den Panel for Upcoming Series
The BBC has announced a major change to the popular show Dragons’ Den, as four new moguls are set to join the panel for the upcoming series. The show, which first premiered on BBC2 in 2005, is expected to return next year with an exciting lineup of new and returning faces.
Fans of the show will be thrilled to see that alongside long-time panelists Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies, and Steven Bartlett, there will be some fresh additions. One of these new faces is former footballer Gary Neville, who previously appeared as a guest Dragon in the 21st series this year. His performance was well-received, and he’s set to return in 2026.
Speaking about his return, Gary said: 'It’s an honour to be invited back into the Den and join the Dragons again. I met so many fantastic entrepreneurs last time and I’m excited to see the businesses that step into the Den this time around.'
A Star-Studded Lineup of New Guests
In addition to Gary Neville, the show will also feature singer Tinie Tempah, a well-known figure in the music industry. He has released several hits, including "Pass Out," "Miami 2 Ibiza," "Written In The Stars," "Frisky," and "Till I'm Gone." Beyond music, Tinie is also a successful businessman, having co-founded Disturbing London and launched his own virtual food brand, RAPS. This year, he founded Imhotep, a label aimed at helping young creatives from underrepresented backgrounds.
Tinie, whose real name is Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu, shared his excitement: '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. 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.'
Another new face is Susie Ma, founder of Tropic Skincare. She gained fame on The Apprentice in 2011, even though she didn’t win the 11th series. However, she managed to secure an investment from Alan Sugar. With a turnover of £68 million, Susie has been recognized by The Sunday Times as one of the Under 20s.
Susie expressed her excitement: 'It’s an absolute honour to join the Den as a Guest Dragon. 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. 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.'
More Exciting Additions to the Panel
Jenna Meek, CEO of make-up and skincare brand REFY, also joined the lineup. She said: 'I am so excited to be joining Dragons’ Den, this has been a lifelong goal of mine. 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.'
Samantha Davies, Executive Producer at 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!'
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, commented: 'Peter, Deborah, Touker and Steven - alongside the formidable guest Dragons - will promise to grill every aspiring entrepreneur who enters the Den, providing plenty of unmissable moments for viewers to look forward to.'
What to Expect from the Upcoming Series
Dragons’ Den airs Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer. As the show prepares for its next season, fans are eager to see what sensational transformations and sizzling dramas await in the 22nd series. With its vibrant cast of guest judges, the show promises to deliver another round of exciting and unpredictable moments.
