{"id":113614,"date":"2025-10-31T06:18:12","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T06:18:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/113614\/"},"modified":"2025-10-31T06:18:12","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T06:18:12","slug":"dragons-den-confirms-line-up-for-2026-series-following-surprise-sara-davies-exit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/113614\/","title":{"rendered":"Dragons&#8217; Den confirms line-up for 2026 series following surprise Sara Davies exit"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"1\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">Dragons&#8217; Den has confirmed the line-up for the 2026 season, with one change being made <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/tv\/reality-tv\/a64090317\/dragons-den-sara-davies-exit\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/tv\/reality-tv\/a64090317\/dragons-den-sara-davies-exit\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"following the exit of Sara Davies\" data-node-id=\"1.2\" class=\"body-link css-1lh7k7j emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">following the exit of Sara Davies<\/a>. One familiar face is returning in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/tv\/reality-tv\/a61422419\/dragons-den-guest-judges-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/tv\/reality-tv\/a61422419\/dragons-den-guest-judges-2025\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"guest appearance\" data-node-id=\"1.4\" class=\"body-link css-1lh7k7j emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">guest appearance<\/a>, while there are three new temporary dragons. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"4\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">The long-running BBC <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/tv\/a63147899\/best-film-tv-tours-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/tv\/a63147899\/best-film-tv-tours-2025\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"series\" data-node-id=\"4.1\" class=\"body-link css-1lh7k7j emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">series<\/a> is due to return next year with its 23rd season, with Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman and Steven Bartlett all coming back to the iconic hotseat. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"6\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">The quartet will be joined by a rotating set of guests, with former professional footballer Gary Neville returning following his appearance last year. He will be accompanied by Tinie Tempah, Jenna Meek and Susie Ma, all of whom are making their debuts.<\/p>\n<p>What to Read Next<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"10\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">&#8220;It\u2019s an honour to be invited back into the Den and join the Dragons again,&#8221; said Neville. &#8220;I met so many fantastic entrepreneurs last time and I\u2019m excited to see the businesses that step into the Den this time around.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"12\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">&#8220;I have a keen interest in supporting emerging entrepreneurs as well as investing in a wide-ranging portfolio of businesses, so Dragons\u2019 Den was an opportunity I simply couldn\u2019t turn down,&#8221; added Brit Award-winning musician Tempah.<\/p>\n<p><img draggable=\"true\" alt=\"gary neville dragons' den\" title=\"EMBARGOED 30.10.25  21:00 Gary Neville,  Dragons' Den\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2835\" height=\"4250\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent;width:100%;height:auto;\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/gary-neville-dragons-den-69036014d8da4.jpg\" class=\"css-0 e1g79fud0\"\/><\/p>\n<p>BBC<\/p>\n<p><img draggable=\"true\" alt=\"tinie tempah dragons' den\" title=\"EMBARGOED 30.10.25  21:00 Tinie Tempah, Dragons' Den\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2835\" height=\"4250\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent;width:100%;height:auto;\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/tinie-tempah-dragons-den-69036014dc3f1.jpg\" class=\"css-0 e1g79fud0\"\/><\/p>\n<p>BBC<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"16\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/tech\/best-tech-deals\/g35899960\/best-streaming-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/tech\/best-tech-deals\/g35899960\/best-streaming-services\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Best streaming services UK 2025 \u2014 including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV+\" data-node-id=\"16.0.1\" class=\"body-link css-1lh7k7j emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Best streaming services UK 2025 \u2014 including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV+<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"18\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">&#8220;I am ecstatic to become a Guest Dragon and look forward to seeing where I can help, bring value and of course invest in some of these brilliant businesses and people that step into the Den.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"20\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">Ma, who appeared in the seventh season of The Apprentice in 2011, said: &#8220;It\u2019s an absolute honour to join the Den as a Guest Dragon\u2026 I know the grit, vision and belief it takes to turn a spark of an idea into something extraordinary. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"22\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">&#8220;I\u2019m here to back the bold \u2013 the next generation of changemakers building businesses with purpose, creativity and courage. Sitting in that iconic chair is a pinch-me moment, and I\u2019m so excited to help brilliant founders bring their dreams to life.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img draggable=\"true\" alt=\"susie ma dragons' den\" title=\"EMBARGOED 30.10.25  21:00 Susie Ma, Dragons' Den\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2835\" height=\"4250\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent;width:100%;height:auto;\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/susie-ma-dragons-den-69036014d141e.jpg\" class=\"css-0 e1g79fud0\"\/><\/p>\n<p>BBC<\/p>\n<p><img draggable=\"true\" alt=\"jenna meek dragons' den\" title=\"EMBARGOED 30.10.25  21:00 Jenna Meek, Dragons' Den\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2835\" height=\"4250\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent;width:100%;height:auto;\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/jenna-meek-dragons-den-69036014cdd50.jpg\" class=\"css-0 e1g79fud0\"\/><\/p>\n<p>BBC<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"26\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/tv\/reality-tv\/a46456849\/dragons-den-ear-seeds\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/tv\/reality-tv\/a46456849\/dragons-den-ear-seeds\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Why Dragons&#039; Den&#039;s latest episode was so damaging\" data-node-id=\"26.0.1\" class=\"body-link css-1lh7k7j emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Why Dragons&#8217; Den&#8217;s latest episode was so damaging<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"28\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">&#8220;This has been a lifelong goal of mine,&#8221; said Meek, who works in the beauty industry. &#8220;Dragons\u2019 Den is the reason I became an entrepreneur\u2026 It is such an empowering environment and I am thrilled to be a part of it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"30\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">&#8220;It\u2019s also incredible to be here alongside the Dragons, especially Deborah. She\u2019s inspired me from such a young age, and I hope I can do the same for someone else,&#8221; she continued. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"32\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">Dragons&#8217; Den airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"35\" class=\"css-18ljdn6 emevuu60\">The new edition of Living Legends is here! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hearstmagazines.co.uk\/special-editions-subscriptions-lvgwitchesariana\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.hearstmagazines.co.uk\/special-editions-subscriptions-lvgwitchesariana\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Buy Ariana &amp; Witches in newsagents or online\" data-node-id=\"35.3\" class=\"body-link css-1lh7k7j emevuu60\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Buy Ariana &amp; Witches in newsagents or online<\/a>, priced at just \u00a38.99.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-dynamic-svg=\"true\" src=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/images\/logos\/lettermark.05d81be.svg?primary=%2523000\" loading=\"lazy\" data-testid=\"dynamic-svg-base\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" alt=\"Lettermark\" class=\"css-7mevzh ev8dhu50\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/movies\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Movies<\/a> and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. \u00a0His film tastes vary from blockbusters like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/mission-impossible\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Mission: Impossible<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalspy.com\/john-wick\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">John Wick<\/a> to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.<br \/>\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Dragons&#8217; Den has confirmed the line-up for the 2026 season, with one change being made following the exit&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":113615,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[1105,68713,1107,93,61,60,1135,68712,282],"class_list":{"0":"post-113614","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tv","8":"tag-content-type-news","9":"tag-contentid-4d7dc750-86c4-472e-9037-a6008e2e76dd","10":"tag-displaytype-standard-article","11":"tag-entertainment","12":"tag-ie","13":"tag-ireland","14":"tag-locale-gb","15":"tag-shorttitle-dragons-den-confirms-line-up-for-2026-series","16":"tag-tv"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/113614","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=113614"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/113614\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/113615"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=113614"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=113614"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=113614"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}