Dragons' Den has returned to BBC screens, with Touker Suleyman absent from the first episode of the new series. The BBC programme, which first aired in 2005, returned with a 23rd season earlier this year and is now airing its final episodes on Thursday, August 20.
In a show first, there were more female Dragons in the Den than male, with Jenna Meek and Susie Ma joining Deborah Meaden, Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones. They stepped in for Sara Davies, who announced she was stepping down in March 2025, and Touker Suleyman, who confirmed his exit weeks ago.
Touker Suleyman's exit after 10 years
Touker revealed in June that he would be stepping down, saying "it is time for new blood to take my seat" as he had spent time reflecting on "what matters most".
His statement in full read: "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. The show gave me a platform not only to invest in leading British founders and companies, but to share hard-won wisdom built over decades in business - and I hope that, in some small way, I made a difference to those who stood opposite me."
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. Fans of the series can still catch me in action one last time - my final episodes will be airing later this year."
What Touker said about stepping back
His statement concluded: "I hope you will tune in and enjoy what has been a truly memorable run in the Den. 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. 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."
He added: "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 greatest joys of my career. The fire in the Den burns on. I simply pass the torch."
Dragons' Den returns on Thursday, August 20 at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
