Which Dragon’s Den investor was the first woman on the original British panel?

Rachel Elnaugh was the first woman on the original British Dragon’s Den investor panel.

Elnaugh joined the launch panel when the BBC series began in 2005. She was known as a businesswoman and entrepreneur, particularly through her work with the gift company Red Letter Days.

Her position is sometimes confused with that of Deborah Meaden, who became one of the programme’s most recognisable female investors after joining the panel later. Kelly Hoppen and Jenny Campbell also joined in later series.

Red Letter Days experienced financial difficulties after Elnaugh’s involvement, and the company was later associated with entrepreneur Peter Jones. Elnaugh’s Dragon’s Den appearance remains part of the programme’s early history, when the panel was still establishing its long-running identity.