Dragons' Den: Favourite to be Touker Suleyman's replacement after his emotional exit from the show after 11 years
He's the second Dragon to leave in less than 18 months
Dragons’ Den series 23 saw Touker Suleyman make his very last appearance on the show, leaving fans wondering about his replacement.
The British-Turkish Cypriot retail entrepreneur bid an emotional farewell to viewers this week (Friday, September 25) when he left the series for good.
After 11 years in the Den, 73-year-old Touker made the decision to step down from the show and “pass the torch” on. But, as the second Dragon to have left in less than 18 months, the chairs are now looking a little bit depleted.
So who will be Touker Suleyman’s replacement on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den? Here’s everything we know…
Who is Touker Suleyman’s replacement on Dragons’ Den?
As the final episode of Dragons’ Den aired this week, the BBC show ended episode 14 with a touching tribute to Touker Suleyman and his 11 years on the show. Something that Sara Davies did NOT get when she left in March 2025, at the end of series 22. That’s two Dragons in two years – leaving the five seats on the panel rather empty.
Sara’s absence was filled with a selection of guest Dragons, who have alternated every week during series 23. Tinie Tempah, Jenna Meek, Susie Ma, and Gary Neville have all brought their unique perspective to the Den.
But who will be Touker Suleyman’s replacement on Dragons’ Den? It’s time for the Beeb to nail their colours to the mast and pick a new face for the panel.
Following Touker’s announcement in June 2026 that he was stepping down, speculation has pointed to recent guest Dragons like Susie Ma and Gary Neville as early favourites for the role.
The current main panel continues with Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, and Steven Bartlett. And a feisty, fun new Dragon is needed to settle the imbalance.
The BBC responds to rumours about Touker Suleyman’s replacement
The BBC are keeping schtum about the identity of Touker Suleyman’s replacement on Dragons’ Den.
A spokesperson told us: “We will announce any programme changes or updates in due course and we do not comment on speculation.”
Who is the favourite to be the new Dragon?
Dragons’ Den has been on our screens ever since 2005, with multiple musical chairs in those 21 years. So it’s understandable that speculation about Touker Suleyman’s replacement has been rife amongst Dragons’ Den fans.
And it seems that current guest Dragon Susie Ma is a serious contender. Speaking on the latest market, Betway’s Lewis Knowles told us: “There’s already plenty of buzz around who could step into Touker Suleyman’s shoes on Dragons’ Den. And Susie Ma is currently the favourite at 2/1 to join the famous line-up.
“Susie would certainly be a familiar face to viewers, having appeared as a guest Dragon this year. While the Tropic Skincare founder has also built a hugely successful beauty business since first appearing on The Apprentice. With her experience on both sides of the pitching table, she could be a natural fit for the Den.”
Meanwhile, Jenna Meek follows closely at 5/2, with the REFY co-founder and beauty entrepreneur having already made her mark as a guest Dragon.
Former footballer-turned-businessman Gary Neville follows at 4/1 after previously taking a seat in the Den.
Lewis Knowles added: “Grace Beverley is also attracting interest at 7/1, with the TALA founder and entrepreneur another strong name from the world of fashion, fitness and social media. Further down the market, fitness entrepreneur Ben Francis, entrepreneur Aimee Smale and rapper-turned-businessman Tinie Tempah are also among those in the frame.”
Favourites to be Touker Suleyman’s replacement on Dragons’ Den, according to Betway as are follows:
- Susie Ma 2/1
- Jenna Meek 5/2
- Gary Neville 4/1
- Grace Beverley 7/1
- Ben Francis 12/1
- Aimee Smale 12/1
- Tinie Tempah 14/1
- Trinny Woodall 16/1
- Levi Roots 16/1
- Joe Wicks 25/1
- Rob Law 25/1
- Shaun Pulfrey 25/1
- Jordan Daykin 25/1
- Rochelle Humes 33/1
- KSI 33/1
- Harpreet Kaur Thakrar 33/1
- Caspar Lee 50/1
- Molly-Mae Hague 50/1
Read more: Tinie Tempah: From chart-topping rapper to presenter and Dragons’ Den star
