The new-look line-up of Dragons has been revealed ahead of Dragons’ Den returning to our screens in 2027.
Regulars Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett will be joined throughout the series by Tropic skincare supremo Susie Ma.
Each episode will also feature one of the following guest Dragons: Jenna Meek, Jamie Laing or Gary Neville.
Meek and Neville are both familiar faces to fans of Dragons’ Den, but Laing will be making his debut.
Laing is an entrepreneur, broadcaster, producer, author and one of the UK’s most recognisable and versatile media personalities.
He’s the co-founder of podcast production company Jampot Productions and co-founder of Candy Kittens, which has grown into one of Europe’s fastest-growing confectionery brands.
He also hosts two podcasts: NewlyParents and Great Company, the latter exploring the stories, personalities and ideas behind some of the world’s most successful businesses.
In broadcasting, Laing starred in and executive produced the Disney+ Original series Raising Chelsea alongside his wife, Sophie Habboo. His work also includes presenting on BBC Radio 1 and appearing on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2020.
He said: “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.
“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.”
Ma rewarded
Ma’s elevation follows some impressive performances as a guest Dragon.
She said: “I’m so excited to be returning to the Den. I enjoyed the experience so much last time – there’s nothing quite like meeting someone with a brilliant idea and the courage to put everything behind it.
“I know how powerful it can be when someone believes in you and your vision, and having the chance to give that same belief to another entrepreneur feels like a full circle moment for me. I can’t wait to see what the next round of entrepreneurs bring to the Den.”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, said: “Dragons’ Den remains must-watch television because the ambition, risk and reward for the budding entrepreneurs are all very real indeed. Jamie Laing entering the Den as a guest Dragon is an exciting prospect and he will be bringing a fresh perspective thanks to his experience of building a modern British business success story.”