Fashion mogul Emma Grede and former professional footballer turned businessman Gary Neville are set to join the popular TV show Dragons’ Den as guest Dragons for its upcoming 21st series. They will join the existing lineup of Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies, and Steven Bartlett. The new series is scheduled to air on BBC One and iPlayer in 2024, with filming currently underway in Manchester.
Emma Grede, a London-born entrepreneur currently based in the United States, brings a wealth of experience in international business and brand-building. She is the co-founder and CEO of Good American, a fashion brand she established alongside Khloé Kardashian in 2016. Additionally, Grede is the founding partner of SKIMS, a shapewear brand, and co-founded the plant-powered cleaning brand Safely. Her entrepreneurial ventures have achieved immense success, with her brands collectively valued at billions of dollars. Notably, Forbes has recognised her as one of America’s Richest Self-Made Women. Grede is also dedicated to empowering women and promoting social impact, serving as Chairwoman of The Fifteen Percent Pledge and advocating for representation across various industries.
Gary Neville, renowned for his football career, has also established himself as a highly successful businessman off the pitch. Starting as a property developer during his time playing for Manchester United in his early twenties, Neville’s entrepreneurial drive has led him to create a diverse business empire. His portfolio includes ventures in property, hospitality, education, media, and sport. The Stock Exchange Hotel, one of his notable projects, is one of Manchester’s top hotels. Neville’s disruptive educational institution, University UA92, challenges traditional models, and his St. Michael’s development is a prominent property undertaking in Manchester City Centre.
The addition of Emma Grede and Gary Neville as guest Dragons brings fresh perspectives and valuable business expertise to the Den. Samantha Davies, the Executive Producer of Dragons’ Den, expressed excitement over this first-ever inclusion of guest Dragons in the show’s 21-year history. She highlighted Grede’s international business knowledge and Neville’s alternative career path as assets that will benefit both the program and the entrepreneurs pitching their ideas.
Sarah Clay, Commissioning Editor, emphasised the importance of creative renewal in long-running flagship shows like Dragons’ Den. Clay stated that the guest Dragons, Emma and Gary, will ignite a new dynamic in the Den, which will undoubtedly be enjoyed by fans of the show.
Dragons’ Den, known for its captivating entrepreneur pitches, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2024. Entrepreneurs from various backgrounds will have the opportunity to impress the Dragons and secure investments for their ventures. The show is commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning for BBC One and iPlayer, and produced by BBC Studios Factual Entertainment based in Glasgow, led by Creative Director Adeline Ramage Rooney. Samantha Davies serves as the Executive Producer, while Natalie Richardson takes on the role of Series Producer.
