Deborah Meaden first joined the regular panel of BBC's Dragon's Den in series 3.
Meaden is an English businesswoman and investor who became one of the programme's most recognisable Dragons. Her television role followed the first two series, meaning she was not part of the original launch panel in series 1. She brought experience from businesses including leisure and tourism to the investment discussions.
The series number is important because the programme has had many panel changes. Viewers who remember Meaden as a central figure can easily assume she was present from the beginning, but her arrival came after the show had already established its format and audience.
Dragon's Den presents negotiations as television entertainment, but proposed investments still require checks after filming. Meaden's on-screen participation therefore refers to her role as a Dragon, not to every deal ultimately completed. Her career also includes business activity outside the programme.