In Dragons' Den, who was the first presenter of the original UK series?

Evan Davis was the first presenter of the original UK series of Dragons' Den. He hosted the programme when it launched on BBC Two in January 2005, introducing entrepreneurs and explaining the deals sought in the Den.

Davis is a British economist, journalist and broadcaster. Before and after Dragons' Den, he was strongly associated with BBC business and current-affairs programming, including Newsnight and The Bottom Line. His business background helped establish the show's explanatory tone for viewers unfamiliar with venture capital.

The presenter does not decide whether a pitch succeeds. That role belongs to the Dragons, who question candidates about sales, profit, valuation, manufacturing and intellectual property. Davis instead provides narration, interviews and context around the entrepreneurs' stories.

Many viewers remember later hosts, especially James Caan-era episodes or the long-running presentation of the format, so the launch presenter can be overlooked. Evan Davis's role belongs specifically to the first British run, rather than to a later international edition.