In Dragon's Den series 3, which 2006 investor became the show's first female Dragon?

Deborah Meaden became Dragon's Den's first female Dragon when she joined the programme in series 3 in 2006.

Meaden is an English businesswoman and investor whose background includes leisure, retail and family businesses. Her arrival expanded the original investor panel and established a long-running female presence in the BBC series.

She became especially associated with investments in consumer products, hospitality and services. Her television role made her one of the most recognisable British business figures, but the programme presents only the pitch stage: agreements shown on screen still require further checks before completion.

Meaden is sometimes confused with later female Dragons. Kelly Hoppen joined in 2013, Sara Davies joined in 2019, and Hilary Devey appeared as a Dragon from 2011 to 2012. Their tenures and business backgrounds are distinct.