Who was the original presenter of the BBC programme Dragon's Den?

Evan Davis was the original presenter of the BBC programme Dragon's Den.

Davis hosted the early British series when the format was introduced in 2005. His role was to guide viewers through the pitches, introduce the entrepreneurs and investors, and provide context around the negotiations. The dragons themselves made the investment decisions; the presenter was not one of the investors.

Before and after Dragon's Den, Davis was known primarily as a BBC journalist and broadcaster. His background in economics made the programme's business terminology and financial discussions accessible to a general audience. He later became associated with BBC current-affairs programmes, including Newsnight.

Viewers sometimes mistake a dragon for the presenter because panel members receive the most attention during a pitch. Davis was separate from the panel. The hosting role has changed over the programme's history, while the investor panel has also been refreshed repeatedly.