Dragons' Den season 22: who are the Dragons? And everything we know

Touker, Sara, Deborah, Peter and Steven in Dragons' Den.
Touker, Sara, Deborah, Peter and Steven are all returning for season 22 of Dragons' Den. (Image credit: BBC)

It’s been just over a month since the 21st series of Dragons’ Den came to an end and we’re already looking forward to the next series!

The show which sees entrepreneurs showcase their businesses and pitch for investments from an esteemed panel of business supremos is just as popular as ever because as well as being one of the BBC’s top ten shows, the most recent series saw an increase in viewing figures.

Dragons' Den stars

The Dragons in the Den! (Image credit: BBC)

The last series saw a first for the show when two guest Dragons were welcomed into the Den. Although footballer-turned-businessman Gary Neville won’t return, fashion tycoon Emma Grede will be back for a second stint, along with two new guest Dragons, namely Joe Wicks and Trinny Woodall!

Joe, Trinny and Emma

Joe Wicks, Trinny Woodall and a returning Emma Grede will appear as guest Dragons in season 22. (Image credit: BBC)

“I’m so happy to be back in the Den,” says Emma. “This show is all about opening up the world of business and providing a platform for emerging entrepreneurs who might not otherwise have the opportunity. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and support the people and businesses I discovered last time around, and I can't wait to do it all again!"

“We were thrilled by the positive response to our first-ever guest Dragons last series,” adds Executive Producer Samantha Davies. “Adding a sixth Dragon to our much-loved lineup creates a unique dynamic and brings fantastic energy to the show. Fitness phenomenon Joe Wicks and beauty mogul Trinny Woodall will bring fresh fire to the pitches, while international fashion tycoon Emma Grede returns after successfully putting entrepreneurs through their paces last series.”

Here’s everything we know about Dragons Den Series 22 with more news to follow as when we hear it…

Dragons' Den season 22 release date 

As filming on the new season continues, we don't have a date for the new season of Dragons’ Den but we’re told it’s scheduled to air on BBC1 in 2025.

In previous years, new seasons of the show have been aired in the week after Christmas or in the New Year. We will be sure to let you know when we can expect it to arrive on our screens.

Who are the Dragons in season 22 of Dragons’ Den?

Last year there were some false reports that the show’s youngest ever Dragon Steven Bartlett had quit the show after two season. He later refuted the claims so he’s back with the rest of the investors from the previous season, namely: the longest-serving Dragon, Peter Jones; the second longest-serving Dragon, Deborah Meaden; Touker Suleyman, who joined the show for its 13th series in 2015; and Sara Davies, who joined the show for series 17 in 2019. 

Dragons' Den stars

Season 22 has the same line-up of Dragons, namely Steven, Sara, Deborah, Touker and Peter. (Image credit: BBC)

Who are the guest Dragons in season 22 of Dragons’ Den?

In a first for the show since it began in 2004, the panel were joined by some guest Dragons in the Den as fashion magnate Emma Grede and footballer-turned-business tycoon Gary Neville took a seat next to Peter, Deborah, Steven, Sara and Touker in a few episodes. 

Emma will be returning for the new series, along with some new guest Dragons in the form of Trinny Woodall and Joe Wicks.

Emma will be returning for the new series, along with some new guest Dragons in the form of Trinny Woodall and Joe Wicks.

TRINNY WOODALL

Trinny is probably best remembered for appearing alongside Susannah Constantine in five series of the BBC Two makeover show What Not To Wear between 2001 and 2005. The series saw the duo restyling people who often had no clue when it came to fashion. They went on to present a similar series for ITV1 called Trinny & Susannah Undress… which ran for two series between 2006 and 2007. 

Now Trinny Woodall is the founder and CEO of global, digital-first beauty brand, Trinny London, which she founded in 2017 with a mission to ignite joy in every customer by helping them to fearlessly feel their best self. 

"Building and growing my beauty brand has been one of the great experiences of my life,’ says Trinny. “I'm delighted to join the next series of Dragons' Den as a Guest Dragon, and look forward to discovering the fantastic ideas and passion that the entrepreneurs will bring to the table.”

JOE WICKS

Better known as The Body Coach, Joe’s career began when he launched a successful bootcamp and personal training business, attracting clients by handing out flyers on the street. After taking to social media to share 15-second videos of meals which took 15-minutes to make, he attracted a large following and was inspired to write his first book Lean in 15 in 2015. Since then he’s sold more than 4 million books. During the pandemic, he became an internet sensation with his daily live-streamed family workouts which earned him an MBE for services to fitness and charity. 

“I can't wait to meet all the brilliant and passionate entrepreneurs,” says Joe. “My own journey has shown me that with the right mindset and a lot of hard work, anything is possible. I’m really looking forward to sharing my experiences and hopefully helping some amazing businesses reach their full potential.”

What to expect from Dragons’ Den season 22?

The new season is currently being filmed in Manchester, and producers of the show have yet to release details about any of the entrepreneurs who have pitched up in the Den for season 22. 

Michael Darling
Writer/Editor on Chat, Woman, Woman's Own plus TV & Satellite Week, TV Times and What's On TV

Michael writes about TV for Woman, Woman's Own, Chat, What's On TV, TV Times, TV & Satellite Week and regularly contributes to whattowatch.com.

After graduating from the University of Winchester with a degree in English and American Studies, he chose a career that combined his great passions in life – magazines and television – and he has primarily worked as a TV journalist for more than 25 years.

He loves classic sitcoms such as The Good Life, Hi-de-Hi! and Man About the House, as well as shows such as Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, The Great Pottery Throwdown and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Some of his favourite people who he has interviewed over the years include Gillian Taylforth, Linda Robson, Sara Davies, Alex Polizzi and Bradley Walsh!