Dragons’ Den 2023: Release date and panel including Steven Bartlett, Peter Jones and Sara Davies

BBC show Dragons’ Den returns for its 20th series this week with a new batch of hopeful entrepreneurs ready to pitch to the ruthless panel.

BBC One show Dragons’ Den returns for its 20th series this week with a new batch of hopeful entrepreneurs ready to pitch to the ruthless panel. Peter Jones is currently the only original Dragon still standing.

First aired on BBC Two in 2005, Dragons’ Den allows auspicious entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their dream product or an established business idea needing a bit of tender loving cash. After a string of successful series, the show finally moved to BBC One in 2021.

A total of 19 Dragons have appeared on the show since 2005. Peter Jones is currently the longest serving cast member while the newest and youngest judge to appear on the show is Steven Bartlett - the host of hit podcast Diary of a CEO.

Speaking about the upcoming series, Peter Jones said: “I wasn’t sure it would get to series 2! But we underestimated the public’s enthusiasm for entrepreneurship, I really believe that Dragons’ Den is one of the reasons that we have seen an explosion in new businesses and young people believing that they can start their own venture and take control of their futures.”

When does Dragons’ Den start 2023?

The first episode of Dragons’ Den premiers on Thursday (January 5) at 8pm on BBC One. Episodes will then continue weekly on Thursday at the same time.

Who is on the Dragons’ Den panel 2023?

Who is Peter Jones?

Jones is a 56-year-old entrepreneur from Berkshire. He founded telecom company Phones International Group (now known as Data Select) in 1998 which turned over £44 million in its second year of trading.

After the success of his entrepreneurial venture, Jones started the investment group PJI which generates more than £250 million in sales and employs more than 1,000 people.

He also launched the Peter Jones foundation and was subsequently provided a CBE for services to business and young people in 2009.

Peter Jones is a 56-year-old entrepreneur from Berkshire.

Who is Deborah Meaden? 

Meaden is a 63-year-old businesswoman from Somerset. After graduating in business studies, Meaden moved to Italy to start a glass and ceramics company.

In 1999, she acquired majority shares of Weststar Holidays which she sold in 2007 soon after the company was taken over by Phoenix Equity Partners. Following this, she bought a textile mill in Somerset and launched an online British luxury goods retailer named ‘The Merchant Fox’ in 2011.

Who is Steven Bartlett?

Bartlett is a 30-year-old businessman and podcaster. He was born in Botswana but was raised in Plymouth.

Steven Bartlett is a 30-year-old businessman and podcaster.

In 2014, Bartlett co-founded a social media marketing company called Social Chain. The company went public in 2019 and was originally listed on XETRA and the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange. In 2020, Bartlett exited the company.

Aside from business, Bartlett hosts a podcast called Diary of a CEO, where he interviews celebrities such as Matt Hancock and Terry Cruz and notable figures in business like Ben Francis and Michael Acton-Smith.

Who is Sara Davies?

Davies is a 38-year-old entrepreneur from Coundon, County Durham. She is the founder and owner of Crafter’s Companion, a crafters supply company she started at university in 2005.

Sara Davies is a 38-year-old entrepreneur from Coundon, County Durham.

Crafter’s Companion employs more than 200 people across the world and in 2016, Davies received an MBE for her services to British business.

Who is Touker Suleyman?

Suleyman is a 69-year-old British businessman from Famagusta in Cyprus. He is the owner of fashion brands Hawes & Curtis, Ghost and Low Profile Holdings and has over 40 years experience in retail and manufacturing.