Dragons' Den (British TV programme)
| Dragons' Den | |
|---|---|
| File:DragonsDenUK.png | |
| Genre | Business |
| Presented by | Evan Davis |
| Starring | Duncan Bannatyne Peter Jones Deborah Meaden (2006–) Kelly Hoppen (2013–) Rachel Elnaugh (2005) Doug Richard (2005) Simon Woodroffe (2005) Theo Paphitis (2005–12) Richard Farleigh (2006–07) James Caan (2007–10) Hilary Devey (2011–12) |
| Composer | John Watt |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 10 |
| No. of episodes | 84 |
| Production | |
| Producers | Sam Lewens, Zoe Thorman BBC Manchester Sony Pictures |
| Production locations | MediaCityUK, Salford BBC Television Centre, London |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC Two BBC HD (simulcast with BBC Two, 2009–present) |
| Release | 4 January 2005 – present |
Dragons' Den is a British television series, hosted by Evan Davis. The format of the show is owned by Sony Pictures and is based on the original Japanese series, which has been sold around the world. The programme has been produced by BBC Manchester since its inception and it was first broadcast on BBC Two on 4 January 2005.
The show allows several entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their varying business ideas to a panel of five wealthy investors, the "Dragons" of the show's title, and pitch for financial investment offering a stake of the company in return.
Programme
Format
Contestants have what they perceive to be a viable and potentially profitable business idea but lack funding, or are already trading in their business but need additional funds for promotion or expansion. They are required as part of their opening pitch to specify the amount of money they require from the Dragons. The rules stipulate that if they do not raise at least this amount from one or more Dragons, they must leave with nothing. In exchange for the investment, the contestants offer equity in their business, the percentage of which is also stipulated at the beginning of the pitch. If the Dragons see potential in the business idea or product, negotiations then take place around the amount of equity on offer, with the contestant having the opportunity to negotiate further, accept any offers, or simply walk away. Dragons can also offer a percentage of the money requested if they do not wish to commit the full amount, leaving the other Dragons free to do the same. This can lead to the contestant receiving the financial backing of more than one Dragon, with the benefit of a broader range of expertise. However, for this to occur, the contestant usually has to agree to relinquish a larger share in their business than they had first planned.
A Dragon who, having heard the pitch, does not wish to invest, must declare themselves "out", implying that they leave the discussion. (However, on one occasion in series 4, Peter Jones continued to question an entrepreneur after his own declaration.) This concluding phase may range from a few minutes if the Dragons don't perceive the business plan as credible, to much longer when complex conditions are negotiated. The Dragons often ridicule contestants, on grounds that vary widely, but especially for over-valuation of their respective enterprises.
Set and theme
The opening sequence was shot in Ancoats, Manchester, an area transformed by the Industrial Revolution which helped give the city its nickname Cottonopolis.[1] The sequence features shots of Brunswick Mill, Murrays' Mills and McConnel & Kennedy mills - all three are Manchester's most famous cotton mills in production at the time of the Industrial Revolution and keeps in line with the programme's warehouse theme.[1] The location at which the pitches are filmed has varied over the years. It was originally filmed inside a furniture depository in Stoke Newington. The production were forced to move after the first series owing to building work next door. For the second series shooting took place in a disused warehouse in the City. It was then that the first set was created by production designer Laurence Williams, requiring the construction of a section of the window wall and the staircase down to the lower floor. The owner of this warehouse converted it into flats necessitating a further move to Tanner Street for the next few series. Here another more extensive set was created including cutting a hole in the floor and again creating the stairs down to the lower floor. Building work required yet again a move to Pinewood Studios only two weeks before a series was due to be shot and the production designer had to create a complete set on the film stage including a staircase which descended down into the underfloor tank. After several more series were shot at Pinewood, the BBC announced that they are moving filming to their new home in Salford Quays at MediaCityUK. A brand new set was created for the move and was screened in the latter part of 2012 for Series 10.[2]
Awards
The programme was nominated for two BAFTA awards and a Royal Television Society award in 2007. The executive producer was Dominic Bird.
The Dragons
| Seat Order (Right to Left) |
Series 1 | Series 2 | Series 3 | Series 4 | Series 5 | Series 6 | Series 7 | Series 8 | Series 9 | Series 10 | Series 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
On the episode first aired on 28 October 2012, for the first time, there were only four Dragons in the Den, as Hilary Devey was taken ill during filming.
Statistics
Highest investments per series
| Series | Single investment | Combined investment |
|---|---|---|
| Series 1 | £175,000 (Peter Jones) | £150,000 (Duncan & Peter Jones) |
| Series 2 | £75,000 (Peter Jones) | £225,000 (Theo & Duncan Bannatyne) |
| Series 3 | £100,000 (Richard Farleigh) | £200,000 (Deborah & Theo Paphitis) |
| Series 4 | £85,000 (Duncan Bannatyne) | £160,000 (Duncan & Richard Farleigh) |
| Series 5 | £200,000 (Theo Paphitis) | £150,000 (Duncan & James Caan) |
| Series 6 | £200,000 (James Caan) | £250,000 (Deborah & Theo Paphitis) |
| Series 7 | £120,000 (James Caan) | £150,000 (Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis) |
| Series 8 | £200,000 (Duncan Bannatyne) | £150,000 (Duncan & Peter Jones) |
| Series 9 | £100,000 (Duncan Bannatyne) | £120,000 (Deborah & Theo Paphitis) |
| Series 10 | £250,000 (Theo Paphitis) | £100,000 (Deborah & Theo Paphitis) |
Deals per Dragon per series
| Series | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of episodes | 6 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Peter Jones | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 10 |
| Doug Richard | 2 | 0 | ||||||||
| Deborah Meaden | 4 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | ||
| Simon Woodroffe | 1 | |||||||||
| Theo Paphitis | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | |
| Duncan Bannatyne | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| Rachel Elnaugh | 4 | 1 | ||||||||
| Richard Farleigh | 2 | 5 | ||||||||
| James Caan | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | ||||||
| Hilary Devey | 4 | 4 | ||||||||
Successful pitches
Series 1
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 4 January 2005 | Charles Ejogo | Umbrolly | 150,000 | Multimedia vending unit selling umbrellas and adverts | Duncan Bannatyne & Peter Jones | [3] |
| Episode 2 | 11 January 2005 | Tracey Grailey | Grails Ltd | 120,000 | Tailor-made suits for businesswomen | Doug Richard & Rachel Elnaugh | [4] |
| Episode 3 | 18 January 2005 | Tracey Herrtage | Le Beanock | 54,000 | A beanbag hammock | Rachel Elnaugh | [5] |
| Episode 3 | 18 January 2005 | John and Phillip Petty | IV Cam | 50,000 | A 3D measuring system using camera technology | Peter Jones and Doug Richard | [6] |
| Episode 4 | 25 January 2005 | Paul Thomas | Mycorrhizal Systems | 75,000 | Land for a truffle farm | Simon Woodroffe | [7] |
| Episode 5 | 1 February 2005 | Elizabeth Galton | Elizabeth Galton Ltd | 110,000 | Custom-made jewellery | Duncan Bannatyne & Rachel Elnaugh | [8] |
| Episode 6 | 8 February 2005 | Nik Rawcliff | Snowbone | 75,000 | Handle attachment for snowboards | Rachel Elnaugh | [9] |
| Episode 6 | 8 February 2005 | Huw Gwyther | Wonderland (magazine) | 175,000 | High-end fashion and culture magazine | Peter Jones | [10] |
Series 2
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Percentage of equity given up | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 15 November 2005 | Dominic Killinger | Square Mile | 150,000 | 40%[note 1] | Wireless broadband supplier to UK marinas | Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones | (closed) |
| Note - Sold to BT in January 2008 for £150,000[3][4] | ||||||||
| Episode 2 | 22 November 2005 | Danny Bamping | Bedlam Puzzles | 100,000 | 3-D puzzles | Rachel Elnaugh & Theo Paphitis | [11] | |
| Episode 3 | 29 November 2005 | Julie White | Truly Madly Baby | 75,000 | Unique baby products | Peter Jones | [12] | |
| Episode 5 | 13 December 2005 | Paul Cockle | The Generating Company | 160,000 | Contemporary circus shows | Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis | [13] | |
| Episode 6 | 20 December 2005 | David Lees | Mode Al | 225,000 | 50% | Custom furniture to house technology | Theo Paphitis & Duncan Bannatyne | [14] |
- ^ Percentage of equity drops to 38% if targets are hit.
Series 3
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 3 August 2006 | James Seddon | Eggxactly | 75,000 | Water free egg cooker | Richard Farleigh & Peter Jones | [5] |
| Episode 2 | 10 August 2006 | Gary Taylor | Alpine Cleaning | 200,000 | Franchised HGV cleaning service | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | [6] |
| Episode 3 | 17 August 2006 | Matthew Hazell | First Light Solutions | 100,000 | A sonar based man-overboard detection system | Richard Farleigh | (Closed) |
| Episode 4 | 24 August 2006 | Ian Chamings | MixAlbum | 150,000 | Dance download site with digital mixing software | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | [15] |
| Episode 5 | 31 August 2006 | Richard Lee & Daren Duraidi | Dr Cap | 150,000 | Chain of shops selling baseball caps | Duncan Bannatyne | [16] |
| Episode 6 | 7 September 2006 | Stephen Bellis | Nuts Poker League | 50,000 (but received 65,000) |
Pub based tournament poker league | Theo Paphitis & Deborah Meaden | [17] |
| Episode 7 | 14 September 2006 | Peter Sesay | Autosafe | 100,000 | A seat-belt height adjuster | Peter Jones & Duncan Bannatyne | (Closed) |
| Episode 8 | 21 September 2006 | Ian Daintith & Richard Adams | Coin Metrics | 200,000 | Technology to monitor cash operations for slot machines | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | [18] |
Series 4
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 7 February 2007 | Levi Roots | Reggae Reggae Sauce | 50,000 | Spicy BBQ sauce | Richard Farleigh & Peter Jones | [19] |
| Episode 1 | 7 February 2007 | Anthony Coates-Smith & Alistair Turner | Igloo | 160,000 | Specialist chilled and frozen transport services | Duncan Bannatyne & Richard Farleigh | [20] |
| Episode 2 | 14 February 2007 | Imran Hakim | iTeddy | 140,000 | Classic teddy bear with integrated media technology | Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis | [21] |
| Episode 3 | 21 February 2007 | Roger Hind | Rotamate | 85,000 | A clothes airer that protects washing from the rain | Deborah Meaden & Richard Farleigh | [22] |
| Episode 3 | 21 February 2007 | Denise Hutton | Razzamataz | 50,000 | A chain of dance, drama and singing schools for children | Duncan Bannatyne | [23] |
| Episode 4 | 28 February 2007 | Christian Lane | Foldio | 80,000 | Stationery folder that halves size of paper without creasing | Theo Paphitis | [24] |
| Episode 4 | 28 February 2007 | KC Jones | Foot Deodoriser | 100,000 | Sanitiser that kills bacteria within shoes | Deborah Meaden & Richard Farleigh | (Closed) |
| Episode 5 | 7 March 2007 | Chris Haines | Safe-T-First | 95,000 | Emergency light | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | [25] |
| Episode 5 | 7 March 2007 | David Pybus | Scents of Time | 80,000 | Perfumes from historical times which are re-created for today | Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis | (Closed) |
| Episode 6 | 7 March 2007 | Peter Ensinger and David Baker | Standby Saver | 100,000 | Device that cuts off electrical current to home appliances on stand-by | All 5 for 50% | (Closed) |
Series 5
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 15 October 2007 | Celia Norowzian & Ian Forshew | Beach Break Live | 50,000 | Events company | Peter Jones | [26] |
| Episode 1 | 15 October 2007 | Laban Roomes | Goldgenie (formerly Midas Touch) | 60,000 | Mobile gold plating service | James Caan | [7] |
| Episode 2 | 22 October 2007 | Sarah Lu | youdoodoll | 35,000 | Personalizable doll | Deborah Meaden | [27] |
| Episode 2 | 22 October 2007 | Emmie Matthews & Ed Stevens | Gaming Alerts | 200,000 | Gaming referral website | Theo Paphitis | [28] |
| Episode 3 | 29 October 2007 | Mark Champkins | Concentrate Design | 100,000 | Products that help children at school | Peter Jones | [8] |
| Episode 4 | 5 November 2007 | Max McMurdo | Reestore | 50,000 | Functional pieces of furniture from waste objects | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | [29] |
| Episode 4 | 5 November 2007 | Jamie Jenkinson | Cush'n'Shade | 100,000 | A fold-away screen that acts as a cushion and sun shade | Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones | (Closed) [30] |
| Episode 5 | 19 November 2007 | Shane Lake and Tony Charles | hungryhouse.co.uk | 100,000 | An online takeaway ordering service | James Caan & Duncan Bannatyne | [31] |
| Episode 6 | 26 November 2007 | Ian Helmore | Steri Spray | 145,000 | UV Sterilising system for shower heads | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | [32] |
| Episode 6 | 26 November 2007 | Mark and Eleanor Davis | Caribbean Ready Meals | 100,000 | Caribbean ready meals made using genuine Jamaican and Trinidadian recipes | James Caan & Duncan Bannatyne | N/A |
| Episode 7 | 3 December 2007 | Sammy French | Fit Fur Life | 100,000 | A dog treadmill | James Caan | [33] |
| Episode 7 | 3 December 2007 | Jerry Mantalvanos & Paul Merker | JPM Eco Logistics | 100,000 | Environmentally friendly haulage company | Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis | (Closed [34]) |
| Episode 8 | 11 December 2007 | Peter Moule | ElectroExpo, Chocbox | 150,000 | Plastic housing that protects cable connections | Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan | [35] |
| Episode 9 | 18 December 2007 | Amanda Jones & James Brown | Red Button Design | 50,000 | A water transport, sanitation and storage device for the developing world | All five Dragons | [36] |
Series 6
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 21 July 2008 | Jamie Turner[9] | Hamfatter | 75,000 | A music band | Peter Jones | [37] |
| Episode 1 | 21 July 2008 | Julia Charles & Amy Goldthorpe | D4M Ltd | 75,000 | Events management company | Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan | (Closed) |
| Episode 2 | 28 July 2008 | Victoria McGrane | Neurotica | 56,000 (but received 75,000) |
Fashion designer | Peter Jones | (Closed) |
| Episode 3 | 4 August 2008 | Ming Yun | Light Emotions | 40,000 | Glow in the dark products | Peter Jones | [38] |
| Episode 3 | 4 August 2008 | Michael Cotton | DDN Ltd | 250,000 | Misfuelling prevention device | Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden | [39]dubious[40] |
| Episode 4 | 11 August 2008 | Charlotte Evans & Caroyln Jarvis | Buggy Boot | 80,000 | Storage solution for pushchairs | Deborah Meaden | [41] |
| Episode 4 | 11 August 2008 | Andrew Harsley | Rapstrap | 150,000 | Waste-free cable-tie | Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan | [42] |
| Episode 5 | 18 August 2008 | Neil and Laura Westwood | Magic Whiteboard | 100,000 | Portable whiteboard in the form of a roll | Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden | [43] |
| Episode 5 | 18 August 2008 | Guy Unwin & Caroline Kavanagh | Planit Products | 200,000 | Toastabags | James Caan | [10] |
| Episode 6 | 25 August 2008 | Guy Portelli | Guy Portelli Sculpture Studio | 70,000 (but received 80,000) |
Collection of 18 sculptures | James Caan, Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis | [44] |
| Episode 6 | 25 August 2008 | Raymond Smith | Magic Pizza | 50,000 | Device designed to eliminate a 'soggy middle' | Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones | [45] |
| Episode 7 | 1 September 2008 | Dominic Lawrence, Simeone Salik & Janice Dalton | Blindsinabox Ltd | 40,000 | Temporary, easy to install blinds | Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan | [46] |
| Episode 7 | 1 September 2008 | Christian Richardson & Rachel Watkyn | Tiny Box | 53,000 | Unique recycled packaging company | Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones | [47] |
| Episode 8 | 8 September 2008 | Paul Tinton | ProWaste Management Services | 200,000 | Construction waste recycling service | Duncan Bannatyne & Deborah Meaden | [48] |
Series 7
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 15 July 2009 | Rupert Sweet-Escott | Sweet-Escott Aviation Ltd | 80,000 | An aviation renewable energy supply company | James Caan | [11] |
| Episode 1 | 15 July 2009 | Steve Smith | TrueCall Ltd | 100,000 | A device to stop nuisance phone calls | Peter Jones | [49] |
| Episode 2 | 22 July 2009 | Richard Enion & Michael Davis | BassToneSlap | 50,000 | High energy drumming performance for corporate team building | Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis | [50] |
| Episode 2 | 22 July 2009 | Sharon Wright | Magnamole Ltd | 50,000 (but received 80,000) |
A device to thread cables through cavity walls | Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan | [51] |
| Episode 3 | 29 July 2009 | Lawrence Webb & Frank Drewett | Lid Lifters | 50,000 | A labour-saving device for lifting wheelie bin lids | Peter Jones | [12] |
| Episode 3 | 29 July 2009 | Oliver Richmond & Toby Richmond | Servicing Stop | 100,000 | A bespoke nationwide car servicing company | Deborah Meaden | [52] |
| Episode 4 | 5 August 2009 | Tony Earnshaw & Stephen Pearsons | UK Commercial Cleaning | 100,000 | Commercial cleaning company | Duncan Bannatyne | [53] |
| Episode 4 | 5 August 2009 | Karen O'Neill & Karen Coombes | KCO Inline Ice Skating Ltd | 100,000 | New inline skate that allows dancers to perform ice-dancing moves on all surfaces | Theo Paphitis | [54] |
| Episode 5 | 12 August 2009 | Carol Savage | MyDish.co.uk | 100,000 | Online community for people who love food and cooking and want to share recipes with their friends and family | Deborah Meaden | [55] |
| Episode 5 | 12 August 2009 | Jane Rafter | Slinks | 75,000 | Sandals for every occasion: one base with a selection of interchangeable uppers | Theo Paphitis & James Caan | [56] |
| Episode 6 | 19 August 2009 | Jason Roberts | Tech21 | 150,000 | Protective cases for laptops, mobile phones etc. using a material called D30 | Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis | [57] |
| Episode 7 | 26 August 2009 | Michael Pritchard | The Anyway Spray | 125,000 | Invention that allows every last drop of liquid to be used in multi-directional household product sprays | Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones | [58] |
| Episode 7 | 26 August 2009 | Kay Russell | Physicool Ltd | 100,000 | Invention that reduces the temperature after a bandage has been applied to an injured area | Deborah Meaden | [59] |
| Episode 8 | 2 September 2009 | Michael Lea | Earle's | 100,000 | Food truck franchise that sells hot and cold foods | Peter Jones | [60] |
| Episode 8 | 2 September 2009 | David & Patti Bailey | Motor Mouse | 100,000 (but received 120,000) |
Wireless mice shaped like famous sports cars | James Caan | [61] |
Series 8
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 14 July 2010 | Geoff Bowen | Pebblebed Vineyard | 60,000 | The chance for wine lovers to rent their own vines in a vineyard | Duncan Bannatyne | [62] |
| Episode 1 | 14 July 2010 | Kirsty Henshaw | Worthenshaw's | 65,000 | A frozen dessert which is a dairy-free healthy alternative to ice cream | Duncan Bannatyne and Peter Jones | [63] |
| Episode 2 | 21 July 2010 | Angela Newman | Vintage Patisserie | 100,000 | A vintage hosting company that runs parties which capture elements of a bygone era. | Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis | [64] |
| Episode 3 | 26 July 2010 | Dennis Fuller | Golfers' Mate | 100,000 | A 3-in-1 golf accessory that includes a pitch-mark repairer, ball marker, t-peg and sharpener | James Caan | [65] |
| Episode 3 | 26 July 2010 | Peter Harrison and Wesley Downham | FGH Security | 75,000 (but received 100,000) |
A security company that provides manned security, electronic security (alarms) and CCTV | Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis | [66] |
| Episode 4 | 2 August 2010 | Layla Bennett | Hawksdrift Falconry | 50,000 | Birds of prey business which does pest control, falconry displays and provides a gift delivery service using birds. | Duncan Bannatyne | [67] |
| Episode 4 | 2 August 2010 | Tim Williams and Tom Hogan | Lumacoustics | 50,000 | An electronic graffiti wall | Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden | [68] |
| Episode 5 | 9 August 2010 | Sarah & Mike Longthorn & Laura Booth | WedgeWelly | 65,000 | Wellington boots with a wedge | Theo Paphitis | [69] |
| Episode 6 | 16 August 2010 | Faizal Khan & Gary Hilman | Peel Engineering | 80,000 | The world's smallest production car, also powered by an electric motor. | James Caan | [70] |
| Episode 6 | 16 August 2010 | Ralf Klinnert | Funky Moves | 120,000 | An electronic interactive sports cone game | Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis | [71] |
| Episode 7 | 24 August 2010 | Letitia Valentine & Alexander Lewis | Surviva Jak | 75,000 | Jacket that has foil lining to prevent hypothermia | Deborah Meaden | [72] |
| Episode 7 | 24 August 2010 | Richard Blakesley & Chris Barnardo | The Wand Company | 200,000 | "Kymera" - a buttonless gesture-based universal remote control | Duncan Bannatyne | [73] |
| Episode 8 | 31 August 2010 | Patrick van der Vorst | Value My Stuff Now | 100,000 | An online antique valuation service | Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis | [74] |
| Episode 8 | 31 August 2010 | Chris Elsworthy | Power8 Workshop | 150,000 | Power8 workshop, a power tool set that is the world's first cordless bench top system | Duncan Bannatyne and Peter Jones | [13] |
| Episode 9 | 6 September 2010 | Solvej Biddle | Content and Calm (Traykit) | 80,000 | A backpack-tray for use on cars, planes, etc. that prevents children's toys rolling onto the floor | Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden | [75] |
| Episode 9 | 6 September 2010 | Adam Weaver | Proppa | 50,000 | A website that sells vehicle accessories | Duncan Bannatyne | [76] |
| Episode 10 | 13 September 2010 | Ian Taylor | Media Displays | 80,000 | A mobile digital advertising service | James Caan | [77] |
Series 9
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 31 July 2011 | Georgette Hewitt | The Present Club | 60,000 | A website for buying gifts for children | Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis | [78] |
| Episode 1 | 31 July 2011 | Chris Hopkins | Ploughcroft Solar | 120,000 | A company that installs solar panels in homes | Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis | [79] |
| Episode 2 | 7 August 2011 | Christian Hartmann, Martin McLaughlin, Tom Callard | Love Da Pop | 70,000 | A business turning the old popcorn treat into a modern mainstream snack | Peter Jones | [80] |
| Episode 2 | 7 August 2011 | Liz and Alan Colleran | Raskelf Memory Foam (Duvalay) | 80,000 | A zip-up memory foam mattress and duvet combo | Hilary Devey | [81] |
| Episode 3 | 14 August 2011 | Peter and Michelle Hart | Fun Fancy Dress | 100,000 | Fancy-dress shop business and franchise | Duncan Bannatyne | [82] |
| Episode 4 | 21 August 2011 | Bob Davis | Unique Ideas UK | 50,000 | Corporate events and entertainment including the Cyclone GameCube | Hilary Devey | [83] |
| Episode 4 | 21 August 2011 | Robert Lewis | Rollersigns | 100,000 | Advertising on belt banners | Peter Jones | [84] |
| Episode 5 | 28 August 2011 | Kate Castle | BoginaBag | 50,000 | Lightweight, portable toilet | Theo Paphitis | [85] |
| Episode 5 | 28 August 2011 | Henry Buckley and JJ Harding | JogPost Limited | 50,000 | Direct marketing company specialising in leaflet distribution | Deborah Meaden | [86] |
| Episode 6 | 4 September 2011 | Andy Bates | AB Performance | 50,000 | Bike-engined car manufacturing, servicing, repairs and tuning company | Peter Jones | [87] |
| Episode 7 | 12 September 2011 | Nick Cross, Richard Hadden and Sebastian Stoddart | barMate | 50,000 | Hands-free pint-pulling product | Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis | [88] |
| Episode 7 | 12 September 2011 | Simon Booth | Kiddimoto | 75,000 | Children's balance bikes | Hilary Devey and Duncan Bannatyne | [89] |
| Episode 8 | 19 September 2011 | Ryan Ashmore and Liam Webb | RKA Records | 50,000 | Record label | Duncan Bannatyne | [90] |
| Episode 8 | 19 September 2011 | Aidan Quinn and Gemma Roe | EcoHab Homes and O-Pod Buildings | 75,000 | Energy-efficient dome-shaped buildings and garden structures | Theo Paphitis | [91] |
| Episode 9 | 26 September 2011 | Andrea McDowall and Rebecca Baldwin | Shoot It Yourself | 60,000 | Professional video hiring and editing business | Hilary Devey | [92] |
| Episode 10 | 3 October 2011 | Helen Waterston | Innovative Gadgets Ltd. (Roastcosy) | 70,000 | Stainless steel chain mail covering for roasting meats | Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden | [93] |
Series 10
| Episode | First aired | Entrepreneur(s) | Company or product name | Money requested (£) | Percentage of equity given up | Description of product | Investing Dragon(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | 9 September 2012 | Bee London | Weave Got Style | 85,000 | 40% | Hair extensions | Hilary Devey | [94] |
| Episode 1 | 9 September 2012 | Lewis Blitz, James Gold and Richard Gold | Skinny Dip | 120,000 | 30%[note 1] | Fashion technology accessories | Peter Jones | [95] |
| Episode 2 | 16 September 2012 | Geoff and Colette Bell | Shampooheads | 75,000 | 20% | Children's haircare brand | Theo Paphitis and Hilary Devey | [96] |
| Episode 3 | 23 September 2012 | Helen and Lisa Tse | Sweet Mandarin | 50,000 | 40% | Oriental dipping sauces | Hilary Devey and Duncan Bannatyne | [97] |
| Episode 3 | 23 September 2012 | Kellie Forbes and Gill Hayward | YUUbag | 60,000 | 30% | Children's backpack and accessories range | Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden | [98] |
| Episode 4 | 30 September 2012 | Harrison Woods | Primal Parking | 60,000 | 40% | Car parking space lettings agency | Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis | [99] |
| Episode 5 | 7 October 2012 | Kiryl Chykeyuk and Artsiom Stavenka | Old Bond | 90,000 | 40% | Spinning, animated advertisement on bicycle wheels | Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis | [100] |
| Episode 5 | 7 October 2012 | Dupsy Abiola | Intern Avenue | 100,000 | 40%[note 2] | Online internship directory | Peter Jones | [101] |
| Episode 6 | 14 October 2012 | Marie Sawle | Billy + Margot | 60,000 | 40% | Ice cream for dogs | Deborah Meaden | [102] |
| Episode 6 | 14 October 2012 | Henry and Philip Blake | WoodBlocX | 75,000 | 25%[note 3] | Outdoor wooden DIY landscaping product | Peter Jones | [103] |
| Episode 7 | 21 October 2012 | Umer Ashraf | iCafe | 80,000 | 49% | Coffee shop business and franchise | Duncan Bannatyne | [104] |
| Episode 7 | 21 October 2012 | Ben Hardyment | Zapper | 250,000 | 30% | Website which buys books, CDs, DVDs and games for cash | Theo Paphitis | [105] |
| Episode 8 | 28 October 2012 | Paul Turner | A Turner & Sons Sausage Ltd | 80,000 | 33⅓%[note 4] | Sausage manufacturing company | Peter Jones | |
| Episode 9 | 11 November 2012 | Ashley Sayed | Karuma Innovations | 150,000 | 25%[note 5] | Child-friendly tablet retail company | Peter Jones | [106] |
| Episode 9 | 11 November 2012 | Anne and Keith Proctor | Pro-Tec Covers | 75,000 | 26% | Caravan and motor home fabric covers | Hilary Devey and Duncan Bannatyne | [107] |
| Episode 10 | 18 November 2012 | Mark Richardson | Bionic Glove Technology Europe Ltd. | 100,000 | 40% | Ergonomic, durable, patented gloves for golfing, gardening and gym use | Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis | [108] |
| Episode 11 | 25 November 2012 | Mark Ferguson and Emma Jones | myBunjee | 70,000 | 35% | Mobile phone case attachment to prevent phone from falling on the floor | Peter Jones | [109] |
| Episode 11 | 25 November 2012 | Luke Booth and Christopher Eves | P4CK | 50,000 | 30% | Product design business, including two products related to carrying of takeaway food and drink, and beer cups | Theo Paphitis | [110] |
| Episode 12 | 2 December 2012 | Naomi Kibble and Helen McAvoy | Rocktails | 80,000 | 40%[note 6] | Frozen cocktails | Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne | [111] |
| Episode 12 | 2 December 2012 | John Spence | Megaflatables | 37,500[note 7] | 25% | Large inflatables used for advertising brands and products | Peter Jones | [112] |
| Christmas Special | 27 December 2012 | Allison Whitmarsh | ProperMaid | 50,000 | 25% | Homemade cakes with a twist | Deborah Meaden | [113] |
- ^ Percentage of equity drops to 25% as soon as investment is repaid.
- ^ Percentage of equity drops to 30% if targets are hit.
- ^ Percentage of equity drops to 15% as soon as investment is repaid.
- ^ Includes same percentage of family butcher's business, which is handed back as soon as investment is repaid.
- ^ Subject to review in 12 months' time, involving acquisition of company if successful and 25% ownership of that division.
- ^ Percentage of equity drops to 30% when annual profits of £500,000 are generated.
- ^ £40,000 was given instead.
Ratings
Episode ratings from BARB.[14]
Series 1
| Episode No. | Airdate | Total viewers | BBC Two weekly ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 January 2005 | - | |
| 2 | 11 January 2005 | - | |
| 3 | 18 January 2005 | - | |
| 4 | 25 January 2005 | 2,160,000 | 30 |
| 5 | 1 February 2005 | 2,410,000 | 21 |
| 6 | 8 February 2005 | 2,620,000 | 16 |
Series 2
| Episode No. | Airdate | Total viewers | BBC Two weekly ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 November 2005 | 2,220,000 | 23 |
| 2 | 22 November 2005 | 2,330,000 | 19 |
| 3 | 29 November 2005 | 2,290,000 | 18 |
| 4 | 6 December 2005 | 2,460,000 | 16 |
| 5 | 13 December 2005 | 2,410,000 | 17 |
| 6 | 20 December 2005 | 2,790,000 | 10 |
Series 3
| Episode No. | Airdate | Total viewers | BBC Two weekly ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 August 2006 | 2,520,000 | 1 |
| 2 | 10 August 2006 | 2,480,000 | 4 |
| 3 | 17 August 2006 | 2,880,000 | 1 |
| 4 | 24 August 2006 | 3,030,000 | 1 |
| 5 | 31 August 2006 | 3,030,000 | 1 |
| 6 | 7 September 2006 | 3,350,000 | 1 |
| 7 | 14 September 2006 | 3,380,000 | 2 |
| 8 | 21 September 2006 | 3,900,000 | 1 |
| 9 | 28 September 2006 | 3,180,000 | 3 |
| 10 | 5 October 2006 | 2,850,000 | 9 |
Series 4
| Episode No. | Airdate | Total viewers | BBC Two weekly ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 February 2007 | 3,380,000 | 3 |
| 2 | 14 February 2007 | 3,160,000 | 9 |
| 3 | 21 February 2007 | 3,690,000 | 2 |
| 4 | 28 February 2007 | 3,420,000 | 4 |
| 5 | 7 March 2007 | 3,530,000 | 4 |
| 6 | 21 March 2007 | 3,560,000 | 1 |
| 7 | 18 July 2007 | 2,330,000 | 6 |
| 8 | 25 July 2007 | 2,220,000 | 9 |
| 9 | 1 August 2007 | 2,110,000 | 8 |
| 10 | 2 August 2007 | 1,990,000 | 9 |
Series 5
| Episode No. | Airdate | Total viewers | BBC Two weekly ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 October 2007 | 3,220,000 | 1 |
| 2 | 22 October 2007 | 2,890,000 | 6 |
| 3 | 29 October 2007 | 3,290,000 | 3 |
| 4 | 5 November 2007 | 3,560,000 | 5 |
| 5 | 19 November 2007 | 3,310,000 | 3 |
| 6 | 26 November 2007 | 2,660,000 | 9 |
| 7 | 3 December 2007 | 3,140,000 | 4 |
| 8 | 10 December 2007 | 3,580,000 | 1 |
| 9 | 18 December 2007 | 3,420,000 | 4 |
| 10 | 25 December 2007 | 2,140,000 | 24 |
Special episodes
Where Are They Now?
Where Are They Now? is a companion series to the main programme, often broadcast after each respective series, taking a look back at some of the programme's success stories - and biggest failiures - and finding out what they are up to six months on.[15] The series began with a one off two special, broadcast on December 21 and 28, 2005, in which presenter Evan Davis reviews the programme's success stories from series one and two, and looks at the entrepreneurs who received funds to market their ideas. Cameras follow Charles Ejogo, who planned to put umbrella vending machines in Tube stations, jewellery designer Elizabeth Galton, magazine publisher Huw Gwyther and Rachel Lowe, whose London-based board game caught their eye. Following this, another one-off two part special was broadcast on September 28 and October 8, 2006. Later, two full series of the show were commissioned, with Series one, of four episodes, being broadcast between July 18 and August 2, 2007. Series two, of five episodes, each following a respective dragon and their investments, was broadcast between September 17 and October 24, 2010.[16] Peter Jones' episode follows him meeting with Kirsty Henshaw, who made an emotional pitch in the Den when she came in with her frozen dessert business, and is determined to get her product on the supermarket shelves as soon as possible, and also meeting up with condiment king Levi Roots. Duncan Bannatyne's episode follows him as he travels to the south of France to oversee his daughter's wedding, and then goes back to work to follow up on some of his investments. Theo Paphitis' episode follows him as he takes ninety employees to Greece for a week of team-building exercises, and also visits two companies he invested in to see how they are getting on. Series five, episode nine also featured at a look back at deals from the series, in a similar vein to Where Are They Now?.[17]
Outside the Den
Outside the Den takes a step back from the world of Dragons' Den, to take a personal look at the Dragons themselves, including personal and initmate interviews, a look behind their business credentials, and taking the cameras into their personal lives. Six episodes of the series have been produced - with the first set of five episodes airing between October 27 and November 23, 2008, and following Theo Paphitis, James Caan, Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne in their own respective programmes. A further episode, focusing on new dragon Hilary Devey, was broadcast over three years later on December 29, 2011.
The Best of Dragons' Den
The Best of Dragons' Den focuses on presenter Evan Davis taking a look back at the best and worst pitches from the past series of the show, as well as revealing some unseen pitches that were so bad, they didn't make it to broadcast, and talking candidly with the Dragons involved. Two series of the show were produced, the first accompanying series two, with three episodes being broadcast between January 19 and February 2, 2006, and the second accompanying series seven, with three episodes being broadcast between February 23 and March 9, 2009.
Dragons' Den: On Tour
Dragons' Den: On Tour follows the Dragons as they travel to various destinations around the world to find out what some of the budding entrepreneurs who have appeared on the show have been up to since, including success stories, awful failiures, and some very obvious missed opportunities. One series of the show was broadcast, with five episodes airing between September 6 and October 7, 2009, each following a respective Dragon - following James Caan, Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Theo Paphitis and Duncan Bannatyne, respectively.
Dragons' Den: Online
Dragons' Den: Online was a special, online version of the show, which follows the same format as the main show, but is presented by Dominic Byrne, and features Shaf Rasul and Julie Meyer as the Dragons.[18] Instead of being set inside a Den, entrepreneurs pitch to the two Dragons via online video pitches, and subsequent interaction through webcam chat. The highest amount of money on offer is £50,000, which the Dragons can only individually invest in any one business. Episodes were posted weekly, for six weeks from September 16, 2009, to October 7, 2009, and viewers could participate by rating business plans before the two dragons offered their verdict.[19]
Other programmes
A number of one-off specials accompanying the broadcast of the main show have also been produced, often as Christmas specials or charity specials. The following eight programmes have been aired thus far:
| № | # | Title | Original airdate | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Junior Dragon's Den[20]" | November 16, 2007 | CIN1 |
|
A special Junior edition of the show in which youngsters pitch ideas for money exclusively for Children in Need. Investments on offer include a "Look for Loneliness" pack, with stickers, trophies and branded 'friendship' stops, where £5,000 is required, and a selection of guinea pig and hamster houses, where £1,000 is required. | ||||
| 2 | 2 | "The Survival Guide" | December 25, 2007 | XMAS1 |
|
Evan Davis looks to find ten different ways that entrepreneurs can impress the Dragons. He also talks to a number of celebrity fans of the show, and also talks to some of the entrepeneurs who have pitched their ideas in the den. | ||||
| 3 | 3 | "Around The World" | December 25, 2008 | XMAS2 |
|
Evan Davis takes a look at the different versions of the show broadcast around the world, including the original Japanese version, the American spin-off American Inventor, starring our very own Peter Jones, and an Australian version. | ||||
| 4 | 4 | "Dragon's Give Back[21]" | November 15, 2009 | CIN2 |
|
The Dragons' pledge to turn a run-down community centre in a South London estate into a high-tech children's centre of the future for Children in Need. Picking up tools for the first time and getting their hands dirty, can they make a miracle happen with their latest investment? | ||||
| 5 | 5 | "Celebrity Dragons' Den" | March 16, 2010 | SPR1 |
|
A special celebrity edition of the show, exclusively for raising money for sport Sport Relief. Some of the country's best known celebrities pitch their ideas to the Dragons for charity donations - but will any succeed in gaining investment? | ||||
| 6 | 6 | "Come Dine With The Dragons[22]" | November 16, 2010 | CIN3 |
|
The Dragons take part in their own special edition of Come Dine with Me, the winner of which donates £20,000 to each of the charities selected by the dragons. But who will cook the best meal? And who will suffer a culinary distaster? | ||||
| 7 | 7 | "Dragons Den Meets The Apprentice[23]" | November 17, 2011 | CIN4 |
|
Apprentice star Alan Sugar turns up in the den looking for investment in his latest project. But will any of the Dragons be generous enough to part with their cash? Or does he have a few foul-mouthed words up his sleeve for his potential investors? | ||||
| 8 | 8 | "Christmas Dragons' Den" | December 23, 2012 | XMAS3 |
|
For the first time ever, a number of entrepreneurs arrive in the den to pitch seasonal ideas, including Christmas decorations, gifts, film experiences and much more. But are the Dragons feeling festive enough to part with their cash for a seasonal business? | ||||
| 9 | 9 | "Top Gear in Dragons' Den" | January 27, 2012 | TG1 |
|
A special skit, featured during the first episode of the ninteenth series of Top Gear, in which presenter Jeremy Clarkson pitches up in the den looking for investment for his P45, a "car suit" that is designed to be the smallest roadworthy car in the history of motoring. Also, the last appearance of Theo Paphitis. | ||||
Successful failures
Some contestants have gone on to reach the market with their products despite being turned down by the Dragons and have met with a range of success. Examples include hungryhouse.co.uk, a website for online ordering of home delivered takeaway food, Destination London, a board game;[24] the Tangle Teezer, a hairbrush designed to smooth knotted hair;[25] Trunki, travel luggage designed for children;[26][27] and the BarbeSkew, a rotisserie Barbecue.[28]
Rejected offers
In Series 2, Danny Bamping accepted an offer of £100,000 for 30% of his company Bedlam Puzzles, offered in a joint deal with both Rachel Elnaugh and Theo Paphitis investing, but rejected it after the show, opting to get a bank loan instead, claiming that he had a stronger vision for the company than either of his investors. His strategy was successful, as the show generated enough publicity to boost online sales of his Bedlam cube, increasing from his then current sales tally of 23 to 4,500 sales on the days after the show's airing.
In Series 3, Fenella Lindsell and Lara Goodbody rejected an offer of £200,000 for 30% from Richard Farleigh, to invest in their Yogabugs workout company. They also rejected an offer £100,000 for 15% of the business made by Peter Jones, in a joint deal with Farleigh, and left the den without investment, stating their reason to be that they believed the company was worth more than what the dragons valued it at. Since then, the pair have gone on to build a franchise operation, with over 150 stores in the UK selling the product.
In Series 10, father and son team Michael and Joe Smith rejected an offer of £50,000 for 50% of their Wheelbarrow Accessory company, offered by Duncan Bannatyne, and again rejected an offer for the same amount of money and equity, but split down the middle, with both Duncan and Hilary Devey bringing £25,000 and asking for 25%. The pair valued their company at £500,000, and the father, Michael, failed to deny claims that he was more interested in the money than help from an investor, when challenged by Deborah Meaden. Also in series 10, Dustin Toland rejected an offer of £100,000 from both Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis for 45% of his company Gigwam, a new tent system for outdoor events. He revealed the maximum amount of equity he would be prepared to give away was 25%, and subsequently declined.[29]
Criticism
Sunday Mirror investigation
Although the BBC has never made any secret of deals that succeeded or fell through, usually offering a follow up in the final episode of the series, in September 2006 an investigation by the Sunday Mirror newspaper criticised the show, reporting that most of the deals were unfulfilled after the programs were shot.[30]
The article claimed that the Dragons either pulled out of the deals over minor technicalities, deliberately offered heavily unfavourable terms to the entrepreneurs in an effort to make them withdraw, or simply broke off all contact with them after the recording. The Dragons however defended their record, blaming the failures on the entrepreneurs themselves who were dishonest about their products, with Duncan Bannatyne stating: "We don't hand over money to people who don't tell the truth.", while Theo Paphitis added: "I kept up my end of the bargain. The show is not about a cash prize, it is about us pledging to invest. But people must tell the truth. Simple."
A BBC spokesman said: "After the initial agreement is made on camera, both parties enter a period of due diligence. Sometimes during this period the deals fall through."[31]
Departures
Simon Woodroffe
After only one series of the programme, Simon Woodroffe left the panel. Woodroffe stated that the reason behind his departure was "The show became a battle of egos — not a forum for business innovation. The thing to remember was that when you walk up the stairs to pitch, it’s not five people necessarily thinking 'How am I going to be able to make an investment here?', they’re also thinking: 'Am I going to be the star of this next little piece?'. That's not how I was told the show would go down."[32]
Rachel Elnaugh
Shortly before the launch of the second series in 2005, Rachel Elnaugh's company Red Letter Days went into administration; the remaining assets were bought by fellow dragons Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis. Although Elnaugh was at the helm before and at the time of the company's failure, she blames the problems on the actions of the last CEO whom she appointed in 2002, whilst she took a non-executive role to have her fourth child. Following making only five investments over the course of two series, as a result of disputes with various Dragons, and the continuing uncomfortable position of the BBC allowing a perceived "failed" business person to continue investing on the show, she agreed to leave the Dragons' Den panel.[33]
Doug Richard
Shortly after the conclusion of the second series in 2005, Doug Richard announced his departure from the show. Richard stated in an interview that his departure was due to "six hours of TV taking six weeks to film", and not being able to split his time between filming and running all of his businesses.[34]
Richard Farleigh
It was announced on 18 May 2007 that Richard Farleigh had been dropped from the series.[35] The Daily Mail suggested he might have been dropped in order to have a new Dragon from an ethnic minority.[36] Farleigh said, "It would be disappointing if that was the reason - rather than anything fundamental - if it was because I was the wrong colour. I don't know why this has happened and I am very disappointed and bemused - I wasn't expecting it because all the feedback I got was very positive. I had even moved back to the UK to focus on commitments for the show. I am gutted that I have not been invited back."[36] The suggestions in the Daily Mail report were rejected by the BBC who said the new Dragon would be chosen by their "business credentials" and not ethnicity. A BBC spokesman said it was normal that the show sometimes changed its team. Farleigh was later replaced by James Caan.[37]
James Caan
In April 2010, the Daily Mail reported that James Caan and Duncan Bannatyne were involved in a 'bitter row' over tax. Bannatyne claimed Pakistan-born Caan had an 'unfair' business advantage due to his non-domiciled tax status. He complained that, because Caan does not pay UK tax on his overseas earnings, he has more money to invest in his UK ventures.[38] Caan told the London Evening Standard: "I do not apologise for my country of origin, Pakistan."[39] He also said he could not invest with anyone who had a criminal record - a reference to Bannatyne's having served a sentence in military prison when he was a teenager in the Royal Navy.[39] Bannatyne replied that Caan was 'playing the race card' and 'personalising the whole thing', and accused him of implying he was racist.[39] Only days before the filming of series 8, Bannatyne went on to Twitter, pointing out that Caan is chairman of the Big Issue, which employs sellers with criminal pasts, and asking how they could now work with their chief.[40] He brought the name of the Big Issue founder into the row by asking: 'Did John Bird know about James Caan's view on ex-prisoners when he gave him the chairman's role?'[40] Further fanning the flames for Caan was a well publicised critique of accusations that he offered to buy a baby from a family in Pakistan.[41] On 7 January 2011, the BBC announced James Caan had quit the Dragons' Den panel. The BBC announced regret and sorrow over the exit and thanked him for his efforts over his four series in the show.[42] Clive Morgan of The Daily Telegraph criticised his departure, stating his exit was the show's loss and would not be the same without him.[43] He was replaced by Hilary Devey in February 2011.[44]
Hilary Devey
In June 2012, it was announced that after only two series of the show, Hilary Devey would be departing the show to front her own business series for Channel 4. The series is reported to be titled The Intern, and will involve hopefuls competing to win an internship with a prestigious British business. She will appear in the upcoming tenth series, due to air in the autumn, but will not appear in any further series. She has been replaced by Kelly Hoppen.[45]
Spoofs
Duncan Bannatyne appeared as himself in a recurring sketch in the ITV1 television show Al Murray's Multiple Personality Disorder titled "Duncan's Den", a parody of Dragons' Den, where Duncan is the only Dragon. Al Murray plays the role of Evan Davis, and in each successive sketch there is only one applicant, the hopelessly nervous and commercially inept, recent divorcee Carole Price, played by Laura Solon.
Kayvan Novak created a parody of the show called "Lizard's Lair" for his character Terry Tibbs on an episode of his show Facejacker where unsuspecting entrepreneurs were led to believe they could receive an investment from Terry in a very similar style to Dragons' Den.
Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, and Duncan Bannatyne appear as themselves in a satirical dream sequence in a series 6 episode titled "Conned Out of Luck" of the BBC show, Hustle.
The sketch show Harry & Paul has featured a series of parodies by Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse, where through careful editing the pair portray all the characters, including Davis (Whitehouse), the contestants unsuccessfully pitching various bizarre ideas (e.g. a 'kitten stomper' device) and a parodied cast of the Dragons. The emphasis is particularly on the entrepreneurs' names (e.g. 'Duncan Guillotine') and personalities (Meadon is simply 'The Grumpy Woman' – Enfield in drag). In one sketch parodying the banking crisis, Enfield's old character Tim Nice-But-Dim made an appearance and was revealed to be "obviously" the brother of 'Peter Jones'.
Dead Ringers parodied the show with strange investments such as a tramp wanting investment in tea and a sketch where a man wants £100,000 and his pitch is a gun. They also parodied Dragon responses with Rachel Elnaugh seeing a product which turns base metal to gold and saying "How do you make any money out of this?".
The talkSPORT weekday afternoon show presented by Paul Hawksbee and Andy Jacobs has recently begun a weekly spoof slot wherein "Hilary Devey" (Jacobs) makes obvious comments to (absent) sporting personalities who have recently been in the news for making poor decisions. These comments usually deride said personality, ending with the Dragons' common final phrase, "I'm Out!"
The British sitcom The IT Crowd features a brief parody of the show in Episode 5 of Season 2.
Ricky Gervais referenced the show and impersonated Evan Davis and Duncan Bannantyne in his live stand-up show Fame.
DVD release
The first two series of the show are available to buy on DVD.[46] It is unknown whether the remaining series of the show will also be released.
References
- ^ a b Bourne, Dianne (24 June 2010). "New lair for Dragon's Den?". Manchester Evening News Media. Retrieved 1 June 2011.
- ^ Lewens, Sam (5 January 2012). "Dragons, we've moved your chairs ..." BBC. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
- ^ http://www.totaltele.com/view.aspx?ID=435927 BT buys Square Mile Marina
- ^ BT sails off with Dragons' Den Wi-Fi venture
- ^ "Eggxactly Home Page". Eggxactly.com. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ "Truck Cleaning Equipment for Washing Trucks". UK Truck Clean. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ "Gold iPhone | Gold iPad | Luxury iPhones | Gold Plated iPod | Gold Plating". Goldgenie.com. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ "Design For Education". Concentrate. 1 November 2012. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/cambridgeshire/content/articles/2008/07/16/dragons_den_hamfatter_feature.shtml | BBC - Cambridgeshire - Entertainment - Hamfatter wow the dragons!
- ^ "toastabags". Planitproducts.co.uk. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ "Smart Power products UK". Airbikeuk.co.uk. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ "Power8Workshop". Power8Workshop. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ "Weekly Top 30 Programmes". Barb.co.uk. 11 November 2012. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ Dragons' Den | Where Are They Now?
- ^ "BBC Two - Dragons' Den, What Happened Next, Peter Jones". Bbc.co.uk. 24 September 2010. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ http://www.radiotimes.com/episode/h2nj/dragons-den--series-5---episode-9
- ^ "Dragons' Den - The Dragons". BBC. 1 January 1970. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ Andrews, Robert. "Ariadne's Julie Meyer Becomes Dragon for New Online-Only Den". Retrieved 18 March 2009.
- ^ Dragons' Den | Children in Need
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD-msPqxJwc
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L-GO3I9InQ
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvdv4pKU8Qw
- ^ Dragons' Den: The rejects that got rich
- ^ Dragons' Den reject has the last laugh after hair Tangle Teezer is stocked by Boots
- ^ Dragons' Den reject ends up on top
- ^ Rob Law profile
- ^ BarbeSkew Inventor Ed Wray's comments on his Dragons' Den appearance
- ^ Inventor turns down Dragons and braves it alone, 16 October 2012.
- ^ Owens, Nick (17 September 2006). "Dragons' Con". Sunday Mirror.
- ^ Sunday Mirror (2006) Sunday Mirror Retrieved 17 September 2006
- ^ Zoe Brennan (8 February 2011). "Den of dashed dreams: How the Dragons don't always keep their word when the cameras stop rolling | Mail Online". Dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ Real Business October 2009 http://www.realbusiness.co.uk/news/business-woman/5701456/rachel-elnaugh-i-thought-my-life-was-over.thtml
- ^ Tara Evans (17 April 2008). "Dragon's Den interview: Doug Richard on entrepreneurs". Thisismoney.co.uk. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ Dowell, Ben (18 May 2007). "I'm out: dragon dropped from den". The Guardian. London.
- ^ a b "Dragon's Den panelist ousted for being the 'wrong colour'". Daily Mail. London. 18 May 2007.
- ^ Dave West (21 May 2007). "'Dragons' Den' panellist dropped". Digital Spy.
- ^ James Caan owes ME an apology after refusing to shake my hand, says Duncan Bannatyne as row between Dragons takes another ugly turn, 23 April 2010, Daily Mail. Retrieved 7 October 2010
- ^ a b c "Dragons' Den tax rift escalates". BBC News. 15 April 2010.
- ^ a b "Duncan Bannatyne takes to Twitter to ramp up Caan row". Metro.co.uk. 14 April 2010. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ^ Hussain, Imtiaz; Williams, David (23 October 2010). "How could I sell my own baby to Dragons' Den star? Fury of poverty-stricken father offered £700 by TV tycoon James Caan". Daily Mail. London.
- ^ "James Caan to leave Dragons' Den". BBC News. 7 January 2011.
- ^ "Dragons' Den won't be the same without James Caan". The Daily Telegraph. London. 7 January 2011.
- ^ [2][dead link]
- ^ Published Friday, 1 June 2012, 22:59 BST (1 June 2012). "Hilary Devey quits 'Dragons' Den' after two series - TV News". Digital Spy. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Dragon Den Complete BBC Series 1 & 2 [DVD], Amazon.co.uk