Touker Suleyman has sensationally announced he’s quitting Dragons’ Den after more than 10 years.
The 72-year-old took to social media to reveal it was time for the programme to invest in ‘new blood’.
Susie Ma and Gary Neville, who both impressed as guest Dragons in the last series of Dragons’ Den, are among the favourites to replace him on a permanent basis.
Suleyman wrote: “After 10 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.
“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. 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.”
Suleyman has more than 50 years’ retail and manufacturing experience and is best known as the owner of British menswear brand Hawes & Curtis and womenswear brand Ghost.
He first joined Dragons’ Den in series 13 and has pledged around 拢4m in investment.
He added: “If I can help the next generation avoid the pitfalls I’ve faced, seize the opportunities I almost missed and build businesses they are truly proud of, then that will be the most rewarding chapter of my career yet.”
Tej Lalvani, who was a Dragon between 2017-2021, said: “After 10 incredible years in the Den, it’s hard to imagine Dragons’ Den without Touker Suleyman now that he has announced he is leaving the show. When I first joined the show, Touker was one of the people who immediately made me feel welcome. He was generous with his advice, always looked out for me and became someone I could learn a huge amount from.
“Over the years, we’ve invested in businesses together, sat side by side through countless pitches and shared a passion for backing ambitious entrepreneurs. What has always stood out to me is Touker’s ability to see potential in people. Beyond the deals and investments, he’s been a mentor to so many founders, offering guidance, encouragement and belief when they needed it most.
“Touker, thank you for everything you’ve brought to the Den over the last decade. You’ve helped shape the journeys of countless entrepreneurs and your impact will be felt for many years to come. A true legend and a great friend. You’ll be incredibly missed.”
Former contestant Omid Moallemi is the co-founder of digital gifting platform Prsnt and said the outgoing Dragon would be missed.
“A very memorable Dragon,” he said. “Good luck on the next steps of your journey.”
Suleyman’s final episodes of Dragons’ Den are set to air later this year.