Deborah Meaden joined the Dragon's Den panel in series 3 and became one of the British programme's longest-serving Dragons.
Before appearing on television, Meaden built a career in business and became associated with family enterprises, leisure businesses, and investment. Her role on the programme involves assessing entrepreneurs' proposals and deciding whether the potential return justifies the requested stake.
Series 3 marked her arrival after the original panel had already established the show's format. She remained a prominent investor through later changes to the line-up, becoming especially associated with practical questions about sales, margins, ownership, and the route to market.
She is sometimes confused with Hilary Devey because both were prominent female Dragons. Devey joined earlier, in series 1, while Meaden entered in series 3. Sara Davies and Kelly Hoppen joined the programme much later.