Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville expressed his apprehension as he was announced as a guest on the panel of the BBC programme Dragons' Den, describing the opportunity as "quite terrifying."
Neville, who will join fashion and retail entrepreneur Emma Grede as a guest dragon on the reality TV show where businesses pitch for investment, revealed his fondness for the programme and his interest in investing in start-ups across various sectors in Greater Manchester.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Neville admitted: "So it seemed to hit a sweet spot, even though it was quite terrifying."
Apart from his regular role as a pundit for Sky Sports, Neville has been involved in several business ventures, including a hotel and other property developments, since retiring from football. The ex-England international is also a co-owner of Salford City along with former United teammates.
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Joining Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies, and Steven Bartlett, Neville and Grede will complete the panel for the upcoming series. The 48-year-old said: "Obviously, I've watched this programme now for like 18 (or) 19 years and Peter and Deborah have been on for most of that time."
Speaking on BBC’s The One Show on Tuesday, Neville added: "So, in my mind, (they are the) sort of figures that you sort of see on television, but you never really meet. So, to walk in here today, all of them made me feel really welcome, but it didn't stop the nerves jangling in that first sort of pitch that I've just done about an hour ago. So, I feel like I've had an out of body experience."
In a statement, Grede, a London-born and US-based fashion businesswoman, highlighted her familiarity with boardroom dynamics and her commitment to supporting independent individuals with innovative ideas.
Recalling her own journey and excitement about returning to the UK as a Dragon, she said: "I watched Dragons' Den growing up, and being able to come back to the UK as a Dragon to share my own experience, with the budding entrepreneurs entering the Den, is very exciting."
Grede added: "I am looking for people who are passionate, not afraid to think big and know their product, and their audience."
The new series of Dragon's Den is currently being filmed in Manchester and is set to be aired in 2024.
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