Deborah Meaden became a Dragon on the BBC programme Dragons' Den in 2006.
She joined the panel during the show's fourth series, succeeding Rachel Elnaugh. Meaden had already built a business career before appearing on television, including work in leisure, retail and property-related enterprises. Her direct, commercially focused style quickly made her one of the programme's most recognisable investors.
The year 2006 is sometimes confused with 2005 because Meaden's business profile was already prominent before her first appearance. It is also distinct from the dates when other long-serving Dragons joined: Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne were present from the beginning, while newer investors arrived much later.
Meaden remained associated with the British version for many years and became known for investments in consumer products, food, technology and services. Her appointment helped establish the panel as a changing group rather than a permanently fixed cast.