Deborah Meaden joined the UK Dragon's Den investment panel in series 3.
Meaden is an English businesswoman and television personality who became a Dragon after appearing on the programme’s third series. She had already built a career in business, including work in leisure and holiday-park operations, before becoming a television investor.
Her direct questioning and emphasis on business fundamentals became a familiar part of the programme. She has remained one of the best-known Dragons and is frequently associated with investments in consumer products, food, services and technology.
A common mix-up is the timing of her arrival: Meaden was not part of the original 2005 panel. She joined after the first two series, while several other well-known investors arrived much later, including Kelly Hoppen, Hilary Devey and Sara Davies.