Deborah Meaden joined the British TV show Dragons' Den in 2006, replacing Rachel Elnaugh.
Meaden is an English businesswoman who became one of the programme’s longest-serving investors. She brought experience from family entertainment businesses and later became especially associated with investments in consumer products, retail and leisure.
Her arrival changed the composition of the early panel after Elnaugh’s departure. Meaden’s direct questioning and emphasis on practical commercial potential quickly became a recognisable part of the programme’s format.
The year can cause confusion because the programme launched in 2005, while Meaden’s first appearance came during the following series. She should also not be confused with Kelly Hoppen, who joined the panel much later, in 2013.