Dragons' Den | Series 21 Preview (BBC One)

Ready to invest in businesses of the future, the Dragons back in the Den, with the striking backdrop of the Manchester skyline at dusk.

Aspiring entrepreneurs have one chance to make their dreams come true when they pitch their business idea to five multimillionaire investors. It's make or break time.

London-born and US-based fashion mogul Emma Grede and ex-professional footballer turned businessman extraordinaire Gary Neville, will be joining Dragons’ Den as guest Dragons, sitting alongside Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett for series 21.

Samantha Davies, Executive Producer, BBC Studios, says: “In our 21st series it’s hugely exciting to bring a fresh, new dynamic to the Den in the form of Guest Dragons. Gary and Emma are both masters in their fields and it’ll be fantastic to see their different styles and perspectives in the business world...

"But our existing Dragons aren’t just going to sit back and let them snap up all the best deals, so viewers can expect all the usual competitiveness and sass in the Den.”

Sarah Clay, Commissioning Editor at the BBC says: “Viewers have a lot to look forward to in the 21st series with the first ever Guest Dragons, a new set of bold entrepreneurs and as always, the five formidable Dragons. It is great to see how highly popular with audiences the show remains, with each new season bringing inspiration and surprises.”

Emma commented: “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.”

Dragons' Den returns Thursday 4th January at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.