Ahead of Dragons’ Den season 24 airing later this year, long-time Dragon Touker Suleyman has confirmed that it will be his last time featuring on the show.
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.
Suleyman announced his departure in a post on Instagram, saying: “After ten extraordinary years as a Dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, I have made the decision to step down from the show.
“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.
“The show gave me a platform not only to invest in leading British founders – and I hope in some small way I made a difference to those who stood opposite me.”
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.
“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.
“Fans of the series can still catch me in action one last time – 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.
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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.
“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.
“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.”
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.
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.
Dragons’ Den is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
