Deborah Meaden became a Dragon on the BBC programme Dragon's Den in 2006, replacing Rachel Elnaugh.
Meaden joined the investor panel for the third series of the British programme. Rachel Elnaugh, one of the original Dragons, did not return for that series, and Meaden took her place. Meaden subsequently became one of the show's best-known and longest-serving investors.
Before joining the programme, Meaden had built a career in business and investment, including work connected with family enterprises and leisure businesses. Her television role presents her as an investor assessing the value, ownership and growth prospects of companies offered in the den.
The timing is important because several later Dragons are also familiar to viewers. Sara Davies joined much later, while Kelly Hoppen and Piers Linney appeared in different periods. Meaden's arrival belongs to the early transition from the original launch panel to the more recognisable long-running lineup.