A BBC legend has taken to social media to set the record straight about their departure from a hit show. Dragons' Den favourite Touker Suleyman announced he was leaving the long-running programme after a decade earlier this month.
Posting a statement on Instagram, the 72-year-old businessman said: "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 businesses and people I truly believed in."
He continued: "At 72, I find myself reflecting on what matters most. I am proud of every deal made, every pitch challenge, 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."
Now, just weeks on, Touker has addressed speculation over whether he is stepping away from the business world entirely.
In a video shared on Instagram this week, the television personality said: "Hello everybody. You've probably heard or read [that] after 10 years being on Dragons' Den, I'm retiring." He was quick to clarify: "I'm not retiring in business, but I'm retiring from the Den. And the first thing I want to do is thank you all for your very kind, loving messages to me. Also, I want to thank the BBC for having me on Dragons' Den. It's been a real privilege and honour to be on the Den for 10 years. More than that, I want to thank all my fellow Dragons, who have sat beside me and competed in those investments. More than that even, I want to thank all the entrepreneurs who put up with me over 10 years, and [to] the ones who got investment and the ones who didn't get investment, thank you."
Touker continued: "The most important thing I want to say is this is not the end of the journey for me. Lots of new, exciting things [are coming]. I'll be now focused more on my own existing businesses."
The television personality also hinted at the launch of a new lipstick brand in September, alongside his ambitions to mentor budding entrepreneurs and potentially launch a podcast. He signed off with: "I might be approaching 73, but I'm not done yet!"
Touker was inundated with support in the comments section, with BBC colleague Steven Bartlett writing: "We miss ya uncle T." Sara Davies, who departed Dragons' Den last year, added: "You'll be such a big miss," while one admiring fan commented: "It's been wonderful watching you in the Den, thank you for 10 years." Another remarked: "Aww that's a great shame. We always enjoy what you have to say and you always put a smile on our face. Wishing you the very best," with yet another supporter echoing the feeling: "The Den won't quite tick the same without Touker time."
Dragons' Den is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
