{"id":626368,"date":"2026-06-07T18:25:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-07T18:25:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/626368\/"},"modified":"2026-06-07T18:25:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T18:25:12","slug":"dragons-den-star-quits-bbc-show-after-10-years-time-for-new-blood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/626368\/","title":{"rendered":"Dragons’ Den star quits BBC show after 10 years: “Time for new blood”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ahead of Dragons’ Den<\/a> season 24 airing later this year, long-time Dragon Touker Suleyman has confirmed that it will be his last time featuring on the show.<\/p>\n

Suleyman, a fashion entrepreneur, first joined the BBC business series back in 2015. The only Dragons who have been longer serving are Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden.<\/p>\n

Suleyman announced his departure in a post on Instagram<\/a>, saying: “After ten extraordinary years as a Dragon on BBC\u2019s Dragons\u2019 Den, I have made the decision to step down from the show.<\/p>\n

“It has been an immense privilege to sit in that chair, to meet so many passionate and talented entrepreneurs and to invest in business and people I truly believe in.<\/p>\n

“The show gave me a platform not only to invest in leading British founders \u2013 and I hope in some small way I made a difference to those who stood opposite me.”<\/p>\n

\"Touker<\/p>\n

Touker Suleyman on Dragons’ Den.\u00a0BBC Studios\/Simon Pantling<\/p>\n

Suleyman continued: “At 72, I find myself reflecting on what matters most. I am proud of every deal made, every pitch challenged and every founder I had the honour of backing.<\/p>\n

“But I firmly believe that great institutions must evolve and it is time for new blood to take my seat in the Den and bring their own vision to this brilliant show.<\/p>\n

“Fans of the series can still catch me in action one last time \u2013 my final episodes will be airing later this year. I hope you will tune in and enjoy what has been a truly memorable run in the Den.<\/p>\n

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“Stepping back from Dragons’ will give me more time mentor the entrepreneurs I have invested in and to give back the 50 years of business experience I have accumulated.<\/p>\n

“If I can help the next generation avoid the pitfalls I’ve faced, seize the opportunities I almost missed and build businesses they are truly proud of, then that will be the most rewarding chapter of my career yet.<\/p>\n

“To the BBC, to my fellow Dragons past and present, to the production team and above all to the entrepreneurs who dared to walk through those doors – thank you. It has been one of the great joys of my career. The fire in the Den burns on. I simply pass the torch.”<\/p>\n

\"Peter<\/p>\n

Dragons’ Den.\u00a0BBC<\/p>\n

Alongside Jones and Meaden, Steven Bartlett remains the only other main Dragon on the series, with the rest of the seats filled by rotating guests.<\/p>\n

Gary Neville, Tinie Tempah, Jenna Meek and Susie Ma joined the Dragons earlier this year, but plans for the upcoming season have yet to be announced.<\/p>\n

Dragons’ Den is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.<\/p>\n

Add Dragons’ Den to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app<\/a> \u2013 download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.<\/p>\n

Check out more of our Entertainment<\/a> coverage or visit our TV Guide<\/a> and Streaming Guide<\/a> to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast<\/a>.<\/p>\n