A BBC legend has taken to social media to set the record straight on their exit this week. Dragons' Den favourite Touker Suleyman announced his departure from the long-running programme after 10 years earlier this month.
Sharing 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 added: "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 later, Touker has set the record straight on whether he is leaving business altogether. In a video posted to Instagram this week, the star said: "Hello everybody. You've probably heard or read [that] after 10 years being on Dragons' Den, I'm retiring." He then clarified: "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 went on to say: "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 star also teased the launch of a new lipstick brand in September, as well as his hopes to mentor up-and-coming entrepreneurs and possibly start a podcast. He concluded: "I might be approaching 73, but I'm not done yet!"
Touker was flooded with support in the comments section, with his BBC co-star, Steven Bartlett, writing: "We miss ya uncle T." Sara Davies, who left Dragons' Den last year, added: "You'll be such a big miss," while a fan said: "It's been wonderful watching you in the Den, thank you for 10 years." Another commented: "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 someone else echoing the sentiment: "The Den won't quite tick the same without Touker time."
Dragons' Den is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
