DRAGONS' DEN: GARY NEVILLE ENTERS THE DEN AS GUEST DRAGON

London-born and US-based fashion mogul Emma Grede and ex-professional footballer turned businessman extraordinaire Gary Neville join Dragons' Den at various points this series.

Both, who will enter the den separately, will be sitting alongside Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett for series 21, which continues Thursday nights at 8pm on BBC One.

Emma comments: “I’m no stranger to the boardroom. I’m surrounded by strong women, and I champion those who are independent and have an idea that I can help develop and grow...

"I watched Dragons’ Den growing up, and being able to come back to the UK as a Dragon to share my own experience with the budding entrepreneurs entering the Den, is very exciting. I am looking for people who are passionate, not afraid to think big and know their product, and their audience.”

Gary said: “I am excited to join the Dragons, and to meet the entrepreneurs brave enough to face us in the Den. I hope my personal journey shows that you can take the experiences you’ve had in one part of your career and use them to do something entirely different and make it a success...

"Business is all about managing people and managing yourself and I’m looking forward to sharing my experience to help the entrepreneurs we’ll meet in the Den reach their potential.”

Samantha Davies, Executive Producer, commented: “For the first time in the show’s 21 series there will be a sixth chair in the Den as we welcome our first guest Dragons. And what better additions to our established line-up than business juggernauts Emma Grede and Gary Neville...

"Emma brings a wide-range of knowledge and experience in international business, and Gary is a great example of someone who took an alternative route into commerce and used his unique skillset to grow a successful portfolio of companies. They’re an exciting addition to the Den for both the programme and the entrepreneurs who’ll get the opportunity to pitch to them.”

Sarah Clay, Commissioning Editor comments: “Dragons’ Den has gone from strength to strength. Creative renewal is key to keeping such long running flagship shows at the top of their game. Our brilliant guest Dragons Emma and Gary, bring a different type of fire to the Den and create a new dynamic we hope Dragons fans will thoroughly enjoy.”

Dragons’ Den continues Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One.