Dragons’ Den Judges 2026: Current Cast, Deaths & Richest Dragon

When you picture a TV show where everyday people pitch their business ideas to wealthy investors, one name springs to mind: Dragons’ Den. But the faces behind those dragon masks have shifted quite a bit over two decades. This guide breaks down the current panel, which dragon passed away, and which investor holds the deepest pockets.

Number of series: 21 (2005-2024) ·
First aired: 2005 ·
Network: BBC One ·
Current dragons count: 4 (as of 2026) ·
Deceased dragons: 1 (Hilary Devey)

The pattern: these figures capture a show that has evolved significantly while keeping its core format intact.

Who are the current Dragons’ Den judges?

The UK panel has never been static. As of the 2026 series, the permanent dragons are four, with a fifth slot often filled by guest investors. Here’s a closer look at each.

Steven Bartlett

• Joined: 2023 – the youngest dragon at age 31.
• Background: Co-founder of the social media agency The Social Chain; host of the podcast “The Diary of a CEO”.
• Net worth: Not publicly disclosed, but estimated in the tens of millions.
• Source: Simply Business (business finance comparison site).

The implication: Bartlett’s inclusion signals a deliberate move to attract a younger, digital-first audience.

Peter Jones

• Joined: 2005 – the only dragon to appear in every series.
• Background: Founded the telecom company Phones International Group; known for his investments on the show.
• Net worth: Estimated at £1.5 billion, making him the richest dragon.
• Source: Simply Business (business finance comparison site).

What this means: Jones’s longevity gives him a unique authority – he has seen every pitch since the beginning.

Deborah Meaden

• Joined: 2006.
• Background: Built a successful holiday park business before becoming a full-time investor.
• Net worth: Around £40 million (Goodto (UK lifestyle publication)).

The pattern: Meaden is the longest-serving female dragon and often the voice of pragmatic business sense.

Touker Suleyman

• Joined: 2017.
• Background: Founder of the fashion brands Hawes & Curtis and Ghost.
• Net worth: Estimated at £200 million (Simply Business (business finance comparison site)).

The catch: Suleyman’s fashion-industry focus means he often backs retail and apparel pitches that other dragons might overlook.

Which Dragons’ Den dragon passed away?

The only dragon to have died while associated with the show is Hilary Devey. She was a panelist on the UK series from 2011 to 2012.

Hilary Devey: Life and career

• Built a logistics and haulage company, Pall-Ex, which she sold for millions.
• She joined Dragons’ Den in 2011 as a replacement for James Caan.

Cause of death

• Died on 6 June 2022 at age 65 after a long illness.
• Suffered a stroke in 2018 (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)).

The catch: Her death was not related to her time on the show, but it marked the end of an era for fans who remember her tough but fair approach.

Who is the richest dragon in the Dragons’ Den?

Peter Jones leads the pack by a wide margin, but the other dragons also command significant fortunes. Three investors, one clear leader: the gap between Jones and the rest is enormous.

The wealth disparity shapes how each dragon approaches deals.

Why this matters: The disparity in wealth means the dragons have different risk appetites – Jones can afford to bet big, while others are more cautious.

What illness did Hilary Devey have?

Hilary Devey’s health problems became public after she suffered a severe stroke in 2018.

• She was hospitalised and later stepped away from most public appearances.
• She also had complications from the stroke that led to her death in 2022.

The trade-off: Her illness meant she was unable to return to the Den after 2012, leaving the panel one dragon short for several series.

Is Deborah Meaden a millionaire?

Yes, Deborah Meaden is a multi-millionaire. Her net worth of around £40 million clearly places her in the millionaire bracket.

• She is one of the longest-serving dragons, having joined in 2006.
• Her business empire includes investments in hospitality, retail, and sustainability.

The pattern: Meaden’s wealth is built on a diversified portfolio, not just one company – a lesson in long-term investing.

For UK entrepreneurs dreaming of a Dragon’s investment, the lesson is clear: know your numbers, know your market, and be prepared for tough questions. The Den has changed over 20 years, but the fundamental challenge remains the same – convince a sceptical investor, or go home empty-handed. Peter Jones’s £1.5 billion net worth means his yes-or-no decision carries more financial weight than any other dragon’s.