Touker Suleyman quits Dragons' Den after 'extraordinary' decade on the show
"It has been an immense privilege"Dragons’ Den star Touker Suleyman has announced he’s leaving the show after over a decade.
The businessman, 72, shared the news yesterday (Saturday, June 6), saying it’s time the programme invested in some “new blood”.
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Touker Suleyman quits Dragons’ Den after 11 years
Touker, who owns shirt maker Hawes And Curtis and fashion label Ghost, joined the show back in 2015.
During his 11 years on the programme, he invested in several businesses that went on to become huge successes, including baby bouncer company Little Hoppa and baked goods brand Bad Brownie.
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Touker shared the news of his exit on his Instagram.
In a lengthy statement, he wrote: “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.”
Touker says goodbye
The star’s statement continued.
“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,” he wrote.
“I am proud of every deal made, every pitch challenged and every founder I had the honour of backing. But I 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. 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.”
He added that stepping back will give him more time to mentor the entrepreneurs he’s invested in and “give back” the 50 years of business experience he’s accumulated.
Fans and Dragons react
Touker’s fellow dragon, Peter Jones, paid tribute, saying, “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.”
Other followers also took to the comments. “You will be sorely missed. You have done your part!!! Thanks for be you on that show!” one said.
“The Den won’t be quite the same without you. Congratulations on an incredible 10 years of championing entrepreneurs and backing founders. From one Dragon to another, thank you for setting such a high standard. Wishing you every success in your next chapter,” another wrote.
“You’ll be missed sir. Peter is undoubtably my longtime unbeatable favourite, BUT you very quickly took second position. Loved having you on my tv and I wish you all the best,” a third commented.
Read more: Dragons’ Den: Why isn’t it on tonight, why series 23 has been dropped, and if it’s coming back
