Deborah Meaden joined the Dragons' Den panel in 2006 and became one of its longest-serving investors.
Meaden first appeared as a dragon in the programme's third series. She is an English businesswoman who built her career in leisure and tourism, including work connected with family holiday parks. Her practical questioning and direct negotiation style became a defining part of her television role.
She joined after the original 2005 panel, so she is not an original dragon even though many viewers associate her with the core cast. Peter Jones is the original investor who has remained continuously associated with the programme.
Meaden has also appeared in other British television programmes, including Strictly Come Dancing. Her Dragons' Den investments have covered consumer products, food, services, and technology businesses.