Deborah Meaden first became an investor on BBC's Dragons' Den in series 3.
She joined the programme in 2006, replacing Rachel Elnaugh on the panel. Meaden had already built a business career before appearing on television, including work in leisure, property and hospitality. Her direct questioning and focus on commercial fundamentals became a defining part of her on-screen style.
Meaden has remained one of the programme's most recognisable Dragons and has invested in businesses across consumer products, food, services and technology. Her tenure began after the original five-investor lineup had already established the format in Britain.
The series number is sometimes mixed up with the year of broadcast or with the number of years Meaden had appeared. Series 3 is the production designation, while 2006 is the year associated with her arrival. The answer therefore identifies the series rather than a calendar year or her position in the panel.