Deborah Meaden joined the BBC show Dragon's Den in its third series, replacing Rachel Elnaugh.
Meaden is an English businesswoman and television personality who became one of the programme’s best-known investors. Her arrival expanded the panel’s established lineup after Rachel Elnaugh’s departure from the show.
Meaden had already built a business career before appearing on television. She was involved in family businesses and later became associated with investments across sectors including leisure, retail and consumer products. On Dragon's Den, she became known for questioning entrepreneurs closely about margins, ownership and the practical running of their companies.
Her series-three arrival should not be confused with the later additions of Hilary Devey, Kelly Hoppen or Sara Davies. Those investors joined in different periods. The key chronological point is that Meaden entered during the third series and remained an important part of the programme’s long-running British panel.