Deborah Meaden joined the Dragons' Den panel in 2006 and became one of the programme's long-serving Dragons.
Meaden is an English businesswoman and investor whose career included work in the leisure and holiday business. She became known to television audiences for direct questions about profitability, ownership percentages and the practical risks facing a company.
Her arrival added a new perspective to the panel after the first series. She has invested in a range of businesses presented on the programme, although an on-screen offer is not automatically the same as a completed investment: deals can change or fail during later due diligence.
Kelly Hoppen, Sara Davies and Jenny Campbell are also associated with the programme, but they joined in different periods. The 2006 date specifically identifies Meaden's entry as a Dragon and distinguishes her from later panel members.