Dragons' Den has broadcast an emotional farewell to Touker Suleyman as he bows out from the programme, after 11 years. The BBC series wrapped up its most recent run, which featured Gary Neville, Jenna Meek, Tinie Tempah and Susie Ma alongside Deborah Meaden, Steven Bartlett, Peter Jones and Touker, following Sara Davies' departure last year.
Tribute montage highlights best moments
As it ended, the show's narrator introduced a special tribute to Touker as his time on the show came to an end. The montage looked back on some of Touker's best moments in the Den, showing compassion and emotion to contestants as well as shrewd comments, including one of his most famous: "I don't get out of bed for 1%."
It also showed him taking a tumble after trying out a game of football in the Den, demonstrating some fluffy headwear, and a tense clash with Steven, in which he fumed: "I've got 50 years of experience, you've got five years."
The clips showed some of the businesses Touker had invested in, and others he had immediately rejected. It finished with him walking out of the Den, shaking hands with Gary and telling his co-stars: "If I don't see you guys, we'll be in touch."
Narrator's tribute and Touker's exit statement
"After 11 years in the line-up, he's been compassionate, surprising, and shrewd. So as he puts down his notebook one last time, let's take a warm, joyful look back at some of his best bits," the Dragons' Den narrator said.
Touker had announced his exit earlier this year, saying that he was "reflecting on what matters most". He added: "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."
He added: "Stepping back from Dragons' will give me more time to mentor the entrepreneurs I have invested in, and to give back the 50 years of business experience I have accumulated."
Co-stars show support
Following Touker's statement that he would be stepping down from the show, he took to social media to confirm that he would be appearing in the latest series, and also addressed claims that he was retiring. He wrote: "Today I am fortunate to celebrate my 73rd Birthday. I am grateful for every day I spend working hard, in my various businesses and helping others. In the next 4 weeks I will announce a new project I have been working on for a year, which I am very excited about.
"So if you think I should be retiring, it's quite the opposite. Yes I have retired from Dragons Den, my last appearance will be on BBC2 shortly, but I had 10 great years on the show. Time to let younger Dragons on the show. No big celebrations today, just grateful for everything and every day, and my good health. Thank you."
After Touker shared the news of his Dragons' Den departure, his co-stars rushed to share their support. Steven Bartlett wrote: "We'll miss you T! Thank you for your wisdom and kindness and taking the time to coach me when I first started. I'll never forget your generosity. See you for dinner soon!"
Peter Jones added: "Touker, it's been the best 10 years! You have been incredible and helped change so many people's lives. I've loved every moment, from your very first day to your last, spending time with you in the Den and after filming, talking about the day. Will miss you. Your contribution to Dragons' Den and the many lives you have changed for the better is special. Sending you a huge PJ [hug] and [love]."
Gary Neville also said: "Loved watching you on the show and then to have the pleasure of being on the show with you was a privilege. Your a mentor, friend and helped me from the moment we met through to today. I will miss watching you but look forward to more meals and your advice in the future."
Tinie Tempah hailed him a "legend", while Sara Davies added: "You are just the most amazing dragon Touks and it's been a highlight of my career sitting beside you for 6 years and soaking up your wisdom. You'll be a huge miss on the show! Love you tons!!!"
Dragons' Den is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
