Deborah Meaden first joined the Dragon's Den investment panel in series 3.
Meaden is an English businesswoman whose background includes family entertainment and leisure businesses. Her arrival added a new investor perspective after the programme's first two series, and she became one of the most recognisable long-term dragons.
On the show, Meaden is known for scrutinising business fundamentals, including sales, margins, ownership and the entrepreneur's ability to execute a plan. Her direct negotiating style has made her a prominent figure in the programme's history.
Series numbers can be confused with broadcast years because the BBC did not always release one series per calendar year. Series 3 refers to the third production cycle of the British programme, not simply the third year after launch. Meaden's debut came after the original 2005 series and before she became one of the panel's established members.