Deborah Meaden was amazed when she realised a pitcher on Dragons' Den was actually someone who had helped her change direction in life. Viewers of the programme saw Deborah suddenly remember what former journalist Richard Johnson used to do.
Birmingham Live reports that in last night's episode, Richard was last up in front of the business gurus. The food critic was hoping to boost his Street Food Ventures business with a sizeable investment.
The business sees Richard set up awards for street food vendors in different locations, with money made from sponsorships. He is a leading expert on street food, having started the ground-breaking British Street Food Awards with Marco Pierre White back in 2009, and written the seminal Street Food Revolution for Kyle Books.
Read more: Loose Women's Coleen Nolan set to compete against co-star Judi Love in new TV role
Deborah was taken aback when halfway through the pitch she realised where she recognised Richard from. He used to host BBC show Kill It, Cook It, Eat It.
The show saw people learn how animals become food by capturing and butchering their evening meal. Richard presented the show in 2007.
Julia Bradbury then took over as host in 2008. Deborah admitted the series had been very influential in her life.
She said: "Richard you did Kill It, Cook It, Eat It. I was looking at you thinking... so that started my plant based journey. You did it with Julia Bradbury."
Despite the connection with Deborah, Richard failed to receive the investment he was hoping for. The Dragons said they didn't understand his business model.
Deborah is a real convert to plant-based food. She recently told Plant Based News she had was plant-based "And I’m feelin’ good".
Last year, she told The Mirror that she wanted to invest in a vegan Stilton company. The tycoon cut animal products from her diet in 2020 but craves a really good replacement for her favourite fromage.
She said: “I am an unintended vegan. I decided to do Veganuary two years ago and thought, ‘I like this and don’t want to eat meat’.
"I feel fitter and better in my soul because I’ve reduced the impact on the planet. However I miss cheese. If anyone can come up with a vegan stilton I’ll throw money at them!”
Deborah, 63, has amassed £47million thanks to her keen eye for an investment and has been on the hit BBC show for 15 years.
READ NEXT:
Vanessa Feltz's fiancé Ben Ofoedu breaks silence on heartbreaking split
Molly-Mae Hague addresses 'nasty' backlash over unique baby name
Nottingham couple with four kids face £450,000 house hunt dilemma on Channel 4's Love It or List It
Josie Gibson 'completely honoured' at becoming ITV This Morning host while Holly and Phil take break
Matt Hancock ITV Good Morning Britain 'car crash' interview prompts Ofcom complaints
