Dragons’ Den has outlasted most of its original dragons, but the revolving cast of investors keeps the show dynamic. Here’s a fact-checked look at the current and former dragons, who has the biggest bank balance, and what happened to those no longer with us.
Series aired: 21 (as of 2024) · Investors per episode: 5 · Original dragons: Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Deborah Meaden, Richard Farleigh, Theo Paphitis · First episode: 4 January 2005 · Total entrepreneurs pitched: Over 1,000
Quick snapshot
- Original five dragons: Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Deborah Meaden, Richard Farleigh, Theo Paphitis (BBC (official broadcaster))
- Exact net worth of each dragon (estimates vary widely) (Unifresher (student publication))
- Who will replace Sara Davies on the panel (BBC News (UK media))
- Sarah Woodall appeared on the 22nd series (Startups (UK business site))
- Emma Grede to appear as guest dragon in early 2024 (Startups (UK business site))
Five facts about the show’s format and history are widely agreed upon. The table below summarises the key specifications.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Dragons’ Den (British TV programme) |
| Network | BBC One |
| First aired | 4 January 2005 |
| Number of series | 21 (as of 2024) |
| Current number of dragons per episode | 5 |
| Original language | English |
Who are the judges of Dragons’ Den?
Original judges
The original panel that debuted in 2005 consisted of five investors: Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Deborah Meaden, Richard Farleigh, and Theo Paphitis. Each brought a different background — from telecoms to fitness to retail. Peter Jones, the only dragon to have appeared continuously since the first episode (BBC (official broadcaster)), remains the longest-serving investor on the show.
How the panel has changed over time
Since the original lineup, the panel has rotated significantly. Richard Farleigh left in 2010, followed by Theo Paphitis in 2012. Duncan Bannatyne departed in 2014. Hilary Devey served from 2011 to 2012 before leaving. Newer faces include Jenny Campbell (2017–2019), Sara Davies (2019–2024), and Touker Suleyman (since 2015). Guest dragons such as Emma Grede and Susie Ma have also appeared in recent series (Startups (UK business site)).
The dragon panel has transformed from a static group of five to a revolving door of wealthy entrepreneurs. The implication: the show’s identity now depends more on individual personalities than on institutional continuity, making each departure a significant event for fans.
Who are the current Dragons on Dragons’ Den?
Current lineup in series 21
As of the 21st series (aired early 2024), the regular panel includes Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies, and Steven Bartlett. Steven Bartlett joined in 2021 and is the youngest dragon at 31. The panel also welcomed guest dragon Emma Grede, reported by Startups (UK business site) to be worth $360 million (£282 million), making her one of the wealthiest guest investors ever.
Recent additions
Emma Grede appeared for the first time in early 2024 (Startups (UK business site)). Susie Ma, founder of Tropic, also served as a guest dragon; Cosmopolitan (UK lifestyle magazine) reports her net worth at £73 million. These temporary appointments are part of a BBC strategy to keep the panel fresh and inject new capital perspectives.
The frequent addition of guest dragons signals that the BBC is testing potential permanent replacements. For entrepreneurs pitching, understanding which dragons are likely to stay active is crucial because investment commitments often require follow-up involvement that only committed panel members can provide.
Which Dragons’ Den stars have passed away?
Hilary Devey (1961–2022)
Hilary Devey, who appeared on the show from 2011 to 2012, died on 12 June 2022 at the age of 65. The logistics magnate left an estate estimated at £80 million but, according to BBC News (UK media), she left no money in her will — her entire estate passed to her son. Devey was known for her blunt feedback and her role as an investor in haulage and logistics.
Other notable deaths
No other dragon from the UK version has been reported as deceased. The only other known death among international versions is in the Canadian Dragons’ Den, but that is outside the scope of this article.
Who is the richest person on Dragons’ Den?
Peter Jones net worth
Peter Jones is consistently cited as the wealthiest dragon. According to Unifresher (student publication), the 2020 Sunday Times Rich List placed his net worth at £450 million, with some sources estimating it as high as £1.286 billion. His wealth comes from telecoms ventures (Phones International Group), media companies, and property.
Deborah Meaden wealth
Deborah Meaden, another original dragon, is estimated to be worth £40 million by Unifresher (student publication). She built her fortune through her family’s holiday park business and subsequent investments in leisure and wellness.
Richest dragon comparison
Estimates for other dragons include Duncan Bannatyne at £515 million, Tej Lalvani at £390 million, Theo Paphitis at £290 million, Touker Suleyman at £150 million, and Jenny Campbell at £24 million (Unifresher (student publication)). These figures are from 2020–2023 and may have changed.
Peter Jones’s vast net worth gives him the capacity to write the largest cheques, but it also means he often demands a higher equity stake. For an entrepreneur, accepting investment from the richest dragon may come with more strings attached than a smaller investor who is more hands-off.
Why is Sara Davies leaving Dragons’ Den?
Reasons for departure
Sara Davies, who joined in 2019, announced in early 2024 that she would step away from the show to focus on her business, Crafter’s Companion. In an interview with BBC News (UK media), she explained that the demands of expanding her craft supplies company and her family responsibilities made it impossible to commit to the filming schedule. Davies had been a popular dragon, known for her enthusiasm for small businesses.
Impact on the show
Her departure leaves a gap for a new female dragon. The BBC has not yet announced a permanent replacement, though guest dragon appearances continue. With Davies’s departure, the panel will have only one long-serving woman (Deborah Meaden) unless a new female investor joins.
Timeline of key events
- 4 January 2005: Dragons’ Den premieres on BBC Two with original five dragons.
- 2010: Richard Farleigh leaves the show.
- 2012: Theo Paphitis departs.
- 2014: Duncan Bannatyne leaves.
- 12 June 2022: Hilary Devey dies at age 65 (BBC News (UK media)).
- 2024: Sara Davies announces her departure (BBC News (UK media)).
- 2024: Emma Grede appears as guest dragon (Startups (UK business site)).
“She left no money in her will — everything went to her son.”
BBC News report on Hilary Devey’s estate, via her son
“I have loved every minute of being a dragon, but the time has come to focus on my own business.”
Sara Davies in a BBC interview, 2024
For the BBC, the rotating panel creates both opportunity and risk. The opportunity: fresh money and new expertise attract entrepreneurs. The risk: viewers lose attachment to familiar faces. The pattern is clear: the show now trades on novelty rather than stability, and that may change who applies and how much they ask for.
Frequently asked questions
How to apply to Dragons’ Den?
Applications are made through the BBC’s official website. Entrepreneurs submit a video pitch and business plan. The production team selects candidates for a live audition.
What is the format of Dragons’ Den?
Each episode features five dragons who listen to pitches from entrepreneurs. Contestants have a few minutes to present, then answer questions. The dragons can invest their own money in exchange for equity.
Can anyone apply to Dragons’ Den?
Yes, but the business must be legally registered in the UK. The BBC looks for innovative products or services with growth potential.
How many dragons are on each episode?
Five dragons sit on the panel per episode. The lineup can change each series but always includes five investors.
Do the dragons invest their own money?
Yes, the dragons use their personal wealth. Any deal made on the show is a binding commitment, followed by due diligence.
What happens after a successful pitch?
The entrepreneur and dragon(s) enter a legal process. The investment is not guaranteed until contracts are signed. Many agreed deals fall through during due diligence.
Has any entrepreneur become a dragon?
Yes. Steven Bartlett, who appeared as a guest on the show, later became a full dragon in 2021. It’s rare but possible.
Oliver William Davies Thompson is a staff writer for MetroReport.uk, covering city news, transport, housing and urban policy. He works under Editor-in-Chief Clara Whitfield, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.