Entrepreneur Touker Suleyman has announced he is leaving BBC business show Dragons’ Den.
Suleyman, 72, who owns UK shirtmaker Hawes And Curtis and fashion label Ghost, has been on the programme, in which contestants pitch to entrepreneurs known as “dragons” for investment in their businesses, since 2015.
In a post on Instagram, Suleyman said: “After ten extraordinary years as a dragon on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, I have made the decision to step down from the show.
“It has been an immense privilege to sit in that chair, to meet so many passionate and talented entrepreneurs and to invest in business and people I truly believed in.
“The show gave me a platform not only to invest in leading British founders and companies but to share hard-won wisdom built over decades in business – and I hope that, in some small way, I made a difference to those who stood opposite me.
“At 72, I find myself reflecting on what matters most.
“I am proud of every deal made, every pitch challenged and every founder I had the honour of backing. But firmly believe that great institutions must evolve and it is time for new blood to take my seat in the den and bring their own vision to this brilliant show.
“Fans of the series can still catch me in action one last time – my final episodes will be airing later this year.”
Suleyman said he hoped fans would enjoy the last shows of his “truly memorable” time on the programme, and added that his departure will “give me more time mentor the entrepreneurs I have invested in, and to give back the 50 years of business experience I have accumulated”.
He added: “If I can help the next generation avoid the pitfalls I’ve faced, seize the opportunities I almost missed and build businesses they are truly proud of, then that will be the most rewarding chapter of my career yet.
“To the BBC, to my fellow dragons past and present, to the production team and above all to the entrepreneurs who dared to walk through those doors, thank you. It has been one of the great joys of my career. The fire in the den burns on. I simply pass the torch.”
Fellow dragons Peter Jones and Tej Lalvani posted on Instagram to congratulate Suleyman on his time in the den.
Jones said: “Touker, it’s been the best 10 years. You have been incredible and helped change so many people’s lives. I’ve loved every moment, from your very first day to your last, spending time with you in the den and after filming, talking about the day.
“Will miss you. Your contribution to Dragons’ Den and the many lives you have changed for the better is special.”
Lalvani added: “After 10 incredible years in the Den, it’s hard to imagine Dragons’ Den without @touker_suleyman now that he has announced he is leaving the show.
“When I first joined the show, Touker was one of the people who immediately made me feel welcome. He was generous with his advice, always looked out for me and became someone I could learn a huge amount from.
“Over the years, we’ve invested in businesses together, sat side by side through countless pitches and shared a passion for backing ambitious entrepreneurs.
“What has always stood out to me is Touker’s ability to see potential in people. Beyond the deals and investments, he’s been a mentor to so many founders, offering guidance, encouragement and belief when they needed it most.
“Touker, thank you for everything you’ve brought to the Den over the last decade. You’ve helped shape the journeys of countless entrepreneurs and your impact will be felt for many years to come. A true legend and a great friend. You’ll be incredibly missed.”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment commissioning at the BBC, said: “Since joining the den, Touker has been a hugely valued dragon.
“His distinctive approach, combining sharp commercial acumen with warmth and humour, has made him a standout presence in the den and a trusted champion for entrepreneurs across the UK.
“We are incredibly grateful for Touker’s contribution to the programme, and wish him every success in his future ventures.”
