Theo Paphitis became the first Dragon to appear on the British television series after its original investor panel.
Paphitis joined Dragons' Den in 2006, replacing Simon Woodroffe. He brought experience from retail, telecommunications and business investment, and became known for probing entrepreneurs about margins, distribution and the practical route to growth.
The programme's early panel included Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Rachel Elnaugh and Simon Woodroffe. Paphitis's arrival marked the first change to that original group. He later became one of the show's longest-serving and most recognisable investors, appearing alongside Deborah Meaden and other Dragons.
This milestone can be confused with Deborah Meaden's arrival, which also occurred in 2006. Paphitis was the first replacement Dragon, while Meaden was the first woman to join the regular panel. The two changes are separate facts from the same period in the programme's history.