Deborah Meaden first joined the investor panel of BBC Two's Dragon's Den in 2006.
Meaden entered the programme during its third series, following the departure of Rachel Elnaugh from the original lineup. She became one of the show's most enduring and recognisable Dragons, known for investments across consumer, leisure, retail and service businesses.
Her arrival did not coincide with the programme's launch: the first British series began in 2005 with Rachel Elnaugh, Doug Richard, Simon Woodroffe, Duncan Bannatyne and Peter Jones. That timeline explains why Meaden is not the first female Dragon, even though she became the longest-serving woman on the panel.
Meaden had already built a career in business before television, including involvement in family and leisure enterprises. Her Dragon's Den role made her business negotiations familiar to a wide British audience.