Dragons' Den star Touker Suleyman has undergone surgery for osteoarthritis in his knee and has warned fans that "money cannot buy good health." The 73-year-old entrepreneur, who has a reported net worth of over £200 million, shared the news from his hospital bed on Tuesday morning (27 October).
Operation Went 'Amazingly'
In a social media post, Suleyman revealed that he had delayed the procedure for almost 10 months before deciding to go ahead. "After putting it off for nearly 10 months and trying every product claiming it could repair my osteoarthritis in my knee, I finally decided to have the operation yesterday," he wrote.
He added: "Pleased to announce the operation went amazingly. I will be spending the rest of the week in hospital, then 6 weeks taking it easy with physiotherapy."
Well-Wishes From Fans and Friends
Shortly after posting, the BBC star received a flood of supportive messages. CNBC broadcaster Tania Bryan replied: "Wishing you better soon." Model and influencer Louise Boyce commented: "Rest up and well done," while entrepreneur Ash Sunassee added: "Glad you made that decision. It'll be worth it; you'll be running around again in no time."
Health Focus and Past Scares
Suleyman frequently posts about the importance of health on Instagram. In July 2025, he revealed he was undergoing tests at a longevity clinic, saying: "At the moment, my main focus will be on my health and well-being. Am going through lots of tests at a longevity clinic, which I will tell you more about in the near future."
He added: "But I realise now that prevention is better than cure. Once I have finished my tests, I will give you an insight into the clinic, and what amazing work and insights they give you on your present health, and what to do for the future."
In a 2022 interview with The Telegraph, Suleyman explained that he became more focused on his health after coming close to death a few years earlier. "In 2019 I had pneumonia and was given 24 hours to live. That was in April. In August I had another illness and was in intensive care and virtually died," he said.
"So I have learnt the value of health. You cannot buy good health. That's where you put things into focus, and you realise that it's not all about money. It's about looking after your health, looking after your family, looking after your friends. That's what's important."
