DRAGONS’ Den star Peter Jones has opened up about chaotic behind-the-scenes filming secrets – as the hit BBC show returns tonight.
The Beeb launched Dragons’ Den in 2005, with the show’s 22nd series beginning tonight (January 9).
Peter Jones has revealed Dragons’ Den filming secrets[/caption]
The current Dragons line-up[/caption]
The Dragons hearing out a business pitch[/caption]
Peter, 58, is the last remaining investor (“Dragon”) and gave viewers an insight into making the programme.
He told The Guardian how, almost two decades ago, Dragons’ Den‘s pilot had been filmed at a London warehouse.
The entrepreneur added: “It was near a train track so every four or five minutes we’d have to pause filming for 10 seconds as another train went by.”
Peter continued: “We still have no idea who is going to walk into the den and pitch their idea.
“When I sit in that chair waiting for the lift doors to open, I genuinely wonder: “Am I going to meet the next Levi Roots?“
Meanwhile, the Dragons’ line-up has changed on numerous occasions throughout the BBC show’s run.
Peter’s current co-stars are Deborah Meaden, Touker Souleyman, Steven Barlett and Sara Davies.
But the investors don’t always agree with one another – with Peter once left stunned after one of Deborah’s investments.
The Dragons locked horns after Mike Goulden and Ben Whittaker presented their eco-friendly car charging brand to the Dragons.
As stated in the pitch, their business Kerbo Charge fits underground charging cables for electric car drivers right outside their property.
Upon negotiation, Deborah agreed to invest £50,000 for 6% of the business.
Dragons’ Den stars – past and present
Dragons’ Den has been on our screens since 2005 and sees entrepreneurs enter the Den to try and win investment for their businesses from the Dragons.
Over the years there have been many wealthy investors sitting in the famous seats, here’s a rundown of them all and how long they were on the show for.
- Peter Jones – series 1 – present
- Deborah Meaden – series 3 – present
- Touker Suleyman – series 13 – present
- Sara Davies – series 17 – present
- Steven Bartlett – series 19 – present
- Duncan Bannatyne – series 1 – 12
- Rachel Elnaugh – series 1 and 2
- Doug Richard – series 1 and 2
- Simon Woodroffe – series 1
- Theo Paphitis – series 2 -10
- Richard Farleigh – series 3 and 4
- James Caan – series 5-8
- Hilary Devey – series 9 and 10
- Kelly Hoppen – series 11 and 12
- Piers Linney – series 11 and 12
- Nick Jenkins – series 13 and 14
- Sarah Willingham – series 13 and 14
- Jenny Campbell – series 15 and 16
- Tej Lalvani – series 15 – 18
- Emma Grede and Gary Neville were guest Dragons during series 21.
In the aftermath, Peter exclaimed that he was “flabbergasted” by the move.
“You offered on an underground cable track.
“Honestly, I don’t know what to say…” he added.
Series 22 of Dragons Den launches tonight (January 9) on BBC One at 8pm.
Peter is the last remaining original Dragon[/caption]
