Which Dragon's Den investor joined the panel in the programme's third series?

Deborah Meaden joined the Dragon's Den panel in the programme's third series.

Meaden first appeared as a Dragon in 2006, during series 3. She replaced Rachel Elnaugh and became one of the show's longest-serving investors. Before television, Meaden built a career in business and became associated with investments in leisure, tourism, retail and consumer companies.

Her direct questioning and emphasis on commercial fundamentals became familiar features of the programme. She has often assessed proposals by examining margins, sales evidence, valuation and the entrepreneur's ability to scale the business.

Series numbers and broadcast years can be confusing because the programme's filming and transmission schedules do not always align neatly. The key distinction is that Meaden was not part of the original 2005 panel; she entered in the third series in 2006.