Which entrepreneur joined Dragons' Den in series three, replacing Rachel Elnaugh?

Deborah Meaden joined the UK television programme Dragons' Den in series three, replacing Rachel Elnaugh.

Meaden was already an experienced entrepreneur and investor when she entered the show. Before becoming a Dragon, she had worked in business and helped build a family holiday business, later becoming especially associated with investments in consumer, leisure and retail companies.

Her arrival followed the departure of Rachel Elnaugh, one of the original Dragons. This timing is easy to mix up with later appointments: Hilary Devey joined in series nine, while Sara Davies became a Dragon much later, in series 17. Meaden consequently became one of the programme's longest-serving and most recognisable investors.

On the show, entrepreneurs present businesses to the panel and seek investment in return for an ownership stake. Meaden is known for examining sales, margins, valuation and the practical prospects of a company before deciding whether to make an offer. Her long tenure helped define the modern UK panel.