Deborah Meaden on the new series of Dragons Den

Brace yourselves, entrepreneurs! Fitness guru Joe Wicks and beauty mogul Trinny Woodall join Series 22 of Dragons’ Den as Guest Dragons, with Emma Grede returning after her successful stint last series.

Ahead of the new series launching Thursday 9 January 2025 on BBC One and iPlayer, Deborah Meaden spills the beans.

New Deborah Meaden Interview

What can the viewers look forward to in this season of Dragons’ Den?

The smart, brilliant and sometimes random.

What is your favourite part of being a Dragon?

Hearing from such a breadth of businesses, seeing the creativity, energy and sheer determination of the entrepreneurs…it’s hopeful and invigorating.

Are there any general trends in the type of business that are pitched to you this series?

Dragons is a real reflection of the changes in society…we see lots of interest in mental and physical health and wellbeing, empowerment and of course, the ever-practical solutions which make everyone go “why didn’t I think of that!”.

Do you feel impressed by the pitches you’ve heard this series?

Each year the quality of the pitches gets better and better and this year may well be the most impressive yet!! (But don’t tell the others I said that!).

What are some important qualities an Entrepreneur should have in order to have a successful business?

Good judgement to know the right thing at the right moment, courage to go ahead sometimes against the odds, resilience because things never work out quite as you expect and the ability to know what really matters to your customer.

Why do you think people continue to enjoy watching the show?

Dragons’ Den is one of those rare shows that all generations can share and of course, everyone has an idea in them and discovering how other Entrepreneurs have made their journey and learning from 5 highly experienced and successful Dragons can be hugely motivating and inspiring.

Stream Dragon’s Den on BBC iPlayer.