Deborah Meaden first joined the British Dragons' Den investment panel in 2006.
Meaden became a dragon during the programme’s second series, after the first series had established the British format in 2005. She replaced Rachel Elnaugh as one of the regular investors and quickly became one of the show’s most recognisable figures.
Her business background includes experience in family businesses, leisure and hospitality. On the programme, she is particularly associated with direct questioning about sales, margins, valuation and the practical route to growth.
The date is sometimes confused with 2005 because Meaden is closely identified with the early era of the show. However, she was not part of the original launch panel; her first appearance came in the following year.