Which entrepreneur replaced Rachel Elnaugh as a Dragon on the British show Dragon's Den?

Deborah Meaden replaced Rachel Elnaugh as a Dragon on the British show Dragon's Den.

Meaden joined the programme in its third series, taking a seat after Elnaugh left the panel. She was already known as a businesswoman and investor, with experience connected to family businesses, leisure, and retail. Her direct questioning and focus on financial details became recognisable features of her appearances.

Rachel Elnaugh was one of the original investors when the British series began in 2005. Her departure illustrates how the Den's panel has changed while the basic format remained constant. Later investors, including Sara Davies and Kelly Hoppen, joined in different periods and therefore were not Elnaugh's immediate replacement.

The distinction is useful because several women have served as dragons. Meaden's first appearance came well before Davies joined in 2019, while Hoppen joined in 2013. The relevant succession is Elnaugh followed by Meaden in the early history of the British programme.