Duncan Bannatyne was the original Dragon's Den investor who was a former rugby player and owner of a fitness chain.
Bannatyne joined the original British panel when Dragon's Den launched in 2005. Before becoming a television investor, he built businesses in areas including care homes, health clubs and hotels. His fitness interests were represented by Bannatyne Fitness, later known as Bannatyne Health Clubs.
He also played rugby in his youth and served in the Royal Navy before developing his business career. These biographical details distinguish him from the other original Dragons, whose backgrounds included retail, technology, public relations and property.
Bannatyne remained associated with the programme for several series, becoming known for direct questioning and a strong focus on commercial practicality. He left the regular panel in 2014, although later appearances and related television work kept him connected with entrepreneurship.