Which retail entrepreneur joined BBC One's Dragon's Den as a Dragon in 2006?

Deborah Meaden joined BBC One's Dragon's Den as a Dragon in 2006.

Meaden is a British businesswoman and investor who became one of the programme's longest-serving and most recognisable panel members. Her career included work in leisure and tourism businesses, giving her experience in operations, consumer markets and company management.

Her arrival came after the original panel had already established the show's format. She became especially associated with concise investment decisions and close attention to business fundamentals such as cash flow, ownership percentages and realistic valuations.

The 2006 date identifies Meaden's entry into the British television programme, not the date she began her wider business career. Other women later joined the panel, including Kelly Hoppen, Sara Davies and Jenny Campbell, but they entered in different years.