This Morning Audience Distracted by New Dragons' Den Star's Verbal Tic
Fans of the popular daytime programme This Morning found themselves diverted on Tuesday morning as new Dragons' Den star Jenna Meek made an appearance alongside hosts Ben Shephard and Angela Hartnett. Viewers quickly took to social media to express their frustration over a particular verbal habit they observed during the interview, with many suggesting she might be attempting to set a 'record'.
Jenna Meek's Background and Dragons' Den Appointment
Jenna Meek, a 33-year-old beauty entrepreneur who serves as the CEO of REFY Beauty and founder of SHRINE, initially gained recognition through her 'glitter boobs' business venture in 2016. Previously a product developer at Burberry, she left her position in 2015 to follow her passion for body art with The Gypsy Shrine, which was subsequently featured on Love Island in 2017.
She has now joined the esteemed panel of Dragons' Den, sitting alongside established investors such as Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Souleyman, and Steven Bartlett on the BBC business series. During her conversation with Shephard, 51, and Hartnett, 57, Meek expressed her enthusiasm for joining the show, citing a long-standing admiration for the programme.
Social Media Backlash Over Frequent Use of 'Like'
Meek told the hosts: 'It's honestly such an amazing experience, I feel like it was always such a goal of mine to do Dragons' Den. After the experience, I was just like, "I feel like I just paid to do that experience" - and then I was like, "Oh, I was just on TV!" and people will actually see it.'
She added: 'It's just always been something like I've been really fixated on doing, I think because I used to watch the show when I was little, when I was like ten. There was no social media, you couldn't really follow anyone's entrepreneurial journey and you literally only had The Apprentice, or you had Dragons' Den. That's what inspired me to be like, "Oh, well, you can come up with an idea and then you can start a business". In a way the show makes it look a little bit easy, so you're like, "Oh, I could just do this".'
However, audiences at home were quick to highlight Meek's repetitive use of the word 'like' throughout the interview. One viewer posted on X, formerly Twitter: 'Like like like like like like f***ing hell like like,' while another commented: 'Like, like, like omfg.'
A third individual questioned during the live chat: 'Is she going for the world record for saying the word "like" during a live TV interview?' A fourth echoed: 'Like, like, like, like, like, like, f**king hell like, like.'
Recent Changes to Dragons' Den Lineup
This incident follows the BBC's confirmation of three new panellists set to join Dragons' Den for its latest series, which premiered last month. Football legend Gary Neville, 50, who previously appeared on the show in 2024, returns as a 'guest dragon' once again.
Making their debut are a trio of new 'guest dragons': rapper Tinie Tempah, 37, Tropic Skincare founder Susie Ma, 37, and Jenna Meek. Each episode will feature one of these four guests alongside the four regular investors.
In March 2025, Sara Davies announced her departure from the show, sharing an emotional message with co-stars and crew. The 41-year-old businesswoman first entered the Den in 2019 and has since supported numerous entrepreneurs with her expertise.
Posting on social media at the time, she shared a video compilation of her Dragons' Den moments on Instagram, captioning: 'As this last run of Dragons’ comes to an end I have to say I’ve loved every minute of this series so far and I’m so proud of the businesses I’ve invested in this year! As a lot of you will know, I’ve taken up my position again as CEO of Crafter’s Companion and my business is my big priority this year.'
She continued: 'And when I commit to a business, I really commit, which is why I find Dragons’ Den such a rewarding role. As well as filming an incredible show, being a Dragon requires so much dedication and time behind the scenes as you join the life of each business you invest in. It means seeing through your investment and committing to your part in that organisation. It’s so much more than a TV show. That’s why I’ve taken the decision to step away from the Den for now, to focus on my own business, which was my first baby! So I won’t be filming with the team this year for the next series. Sending so much love to my fellow Dragons and the amazing team behind it all.'
Fans responded with support, with one commenting: 'Couldn’t have been an easy decision. You are such an inspiration Sara in everything you do.' Another wrote: 'Truly gutted. You are such an honest and down-to-earth Dragon and it won’t be the same without you. Hoping this is just a one-off and you will be back the year after!' A third said: 'We will miss you Sara. You are certainly the best dragon on the show! Won’t be the same without you.'
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
