When did the first episode of the BBC television programme Dragon's Den air?
Answer
4 January 2005
The first episode of the BBC television programme Dragon's Den aired on 4 January 2005.
The British version was adapted from a Japanese business reality format and gives entrepreneurs the chance to present investment proposals to a panel of wealthy businesspeople. The programme quickly became a regular BBC Two fixture and helped popularise televised investment pitches in the United Kingdom.
The debut is sometimes confused with the launch dates of other international versions, including the Canadian and Australian adaptations. It is also distinct from the date the programme moved production to Salford, which happened several years later.
Dragon's Den was presented at launch by Evan Davis, who introduced the entrepreneurs and managed the studio negotiations. The original panel included Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Rachel Elnaugh, Simon Woodroffe and Doug Richard.