Dragons’ Den: who are the new dragons on BBC show? Full line-up for 2026
Dragons’ Den has announced a whole host of guest dragons for 2026! 👀🐉📺
- Dragons’ Den is back for a brand new series.
- New guest dragons will be joining the line-up.
- But who are the moguls appearing this year?
The doors to the Dragons’ Den are about to be flung open once again. Yet more hopeful entrepreneurs will be looking to secure investment on the BBC show.
Viewers will quickly notice a huge change this year following the departure of Sara Davies. The businesswoman announced she was stepping away “for now” last year.
Dragons’ Den returns this evening (January 29) at 8pm on BBC One. It will also be available to watch live and on demand via iPlayer.
Who are the new guest dragons this season?
The panel is set to look a bit different in the den this time around. Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman and Steven Bartlett are all returning - but there will be guest dragons across the course of the season.
The new line-up for 2026 includes:
Tinie Tempah
A name that will not need any introductions for music fans, Tinie Tempah rose to fame with number one singles Pass Out and Written in the Stars. He has released three albums so far including most recently Youth in 2017.
Speaking about the show, Tinie Tempah said: “I’ve been a fan of the show and the Dragons for over a decade. I’ve been entrepreneurial from the start of my music career and began angel investing around 2016.
“When I was asked to be a guest Dragon, I simply couldn’t refuse. Outside of music and entertainment, I’m interested in technology, health, food & beverage and crypto/Web3.”
He continued: “The experience itself was a surprise. I’d say I’m a shrewd but empathetic Dragon. I tend to get more excited by young founders and entrepreneurs, as it reminds me of myself starting out in the music industry at a very young age.
“I’m mainly interested in businesses where I can add significant value beyond capital. If I can’t, or I have no interest in the sector, I won’t waste my time or theirs.”
Susie Ma
The Apprentice fans might recognise Tropic Skincare powerhouse Susie Ma as she is a former candidate! Despite coming in third on the show back in 2011, Alan Sugar invested in her company - she eventually bought back his 50% share in 2023.
Originally started as Tropic Pure Plant Skin Care in 2004, the company was incorporated in 2011. She appeared on The Times inaugural ‘Beauty Rich List’ last year and has an estimated wealth of £73m.
Speaking before the new season, Susie said: “I’ve loved Dragons’ Den for years, to become a Dragon off the back of what I’ve built with Tropic was a real pinch-me moment. The show has always stood for belief - backing people with ideas, courage and ambition, and that really resonates with me. It felt like a rare opportunity to give back to the entrepreneurial community in a very tangible way.
“Beauty will always be my first love, but food is the industry that excites me most beyond that. I’m a huge foodie, and I’m endlessly inspired by founders who take something simple and turn it into a brand that people genuinely fall in love with.”
She added: “I’m a nurturing Dragon - but make no mistake, I’m also commercially sharp. I care deeply about people, and I want every entrepreneur who walks into the Den to leave stronger than when they arrived, whether that’s through investment, insight or honest advice they can build on.”
Jenna Meek
From Bishop Auckland (yes, that one) in the north east, Jenna is the co-founder and CEO of beauty brand REFY. Since launching in 2020, it has become one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the UK with an annual turnover of more than £40m.
Discussing entering the den, Jenna said: “When I was little, I always used to watch Dragons’ Den with my dad and always aspired to be on the show as an entrepreneur, so to be here as a Dragon is surreal.
“When it comes to the types of businesses I’m interested in, I’m less focused on specific sectors and more drawn to founders who are genuinely reshaping their industries. I love seeing entrepreneurs innovating, challenging norms and reshaping within their space - that really excites and inspires me!”
She continued: “I think I’m quite a funny Dragon! I definitely found myself sticking up for the entrepreneurs and even telling the other Dragons off a few times. I really resonated with the people standing in front of us because I was in their position almost eight years ago.
“I was empathetic towards the entrepreneurs and much more competitive with my fellow Dragons. I was still very much a Dragon, just maybe a tougher one on the panel than on the entrepreneurs! It surprised me how protective I felt over them, but it felt very true to who I am.”
Gary Neville
Returning to the den is former Manchester United footballer - and Sky Sports pundit - Gary Neville. He has previously appeared as a guest dragon.
On his return to the den, Gary said: “I couldn’t love the programme more. Everyone in front of the camera and behind it made me feel so welcome.
“Walking out of the tunnel at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player was a thrilling feeling and this was an experience that came close to that feeling.”
He continued: “Definitely more of the same although having been a guest Dragon before I’ve got more of a bite this time and you’ll see that come through.”