Deborah Meaden joined the BBC series Dragon's Den as an investor in 2006.
She entered the programme during its second series, becoming one of its most recognisable long-term Dragons. Meaden is a British businesswoman whose earlier career included work in leisure, retail and family businesses.
Her arrival followed the departure of original Dragon Rachel Elnaugh. This change helped establish the rotating nature of the panel: investors can leave, while the format continues with a mixture of established and new personalities.
Meaden is known for direct questioning about valuation, margins, ownership and the practical route to growth. Her television role is separate from her private investments, so an offer made on screen is not automatically proof that a deal ultimately completed.