Fans of Dragons’ Den star Steven Bartlett feared that he’d quit the popular BBC show after he posted a message to his Instagram Stories on Thursday, June 29. The 30-year-old entrepreneur, who also hosts The Diary of a CEO podcast, has been appearing on the programme since 2022.
Steven shared a photo of his dressing room door with the caption, “One last day on set”, and then issued a lengthy post about his time on the show. The post read: "It's not lost on me what an honour it has been to be asked to participate in this show. A 12 year old childhood dream come true! To sit between two of my childhood role models @deborahmeaden @peterionescbe has been one of the most surreal experiences of my life.
"Thank you to @saradaviescc & @touker_suleyman too, they've been kind, supportive and hilarious since before I stepped on set 2-3 years ago! Dragon's Den is an important piece of British treasure."
Read more: BBC Dragons' Den star Sara Davies sends sweet message to new co-star Gary Neville after filming
Steven added: "My goal is to leave this platform better than I found it so that all the kids out there that are sat watching it at home - like I was once upon a time get a valuable window into entrepreneurship that might empower them to create businesses of their own!
“The show is thriving. Views have climbed 'year over year', the show is innovating, it feels fresh and the pitches are getting better and better. Hope you enjoy this season, it’s my favourite. And thanks to the BBC for having me."
No sooner than the post was put up on Steven’s Instagram Stories, it was taken down. A new post went up in its place that read: “This year has been my favourite year to date on dragons’ den! So many incredible entrepreneurs, so much innovation, so much diversity! Today Season 21 wraps! Can’t wait for Season 22 and beyond.”
When approached for comment on Steven’s future on the show, a representative from the BBC said: “Steven has put a new post up on his Instagram story to clarify.” Are you happy that he’s staying in the Den? Let us know in the comments.
This week hasn’t been short of Dragons’ Den news as the BBC confirmed that there would be two new guest Dragons added to the line up. Former professional footballer and pundit Gary Neville and fashion and retail entrepreneur Emma Grede will be joining the new series.
The most recent series of Dragons' Den is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
