Who are the Dragons’ Den investors and who did Tej Lalvani and Jenny Campbell replace?
DRAGON'S Den continues tonight with budding entrepreneurs attempt to win investment from the five business moguls.
Last series, fans of the show were shocked to learn that Sarah Willingham and Nick Jenkins were axed for “failing to connect with the audience”. Here's all you need to know about who replaced them...
Who is Tej Lalvani?
Tej Lalvani is the CEO of Vitabiotics - the largest vitamin company in the UK by value sales with a current group turnover of over £300 million a year.
Working with the company for 20 years, he has worked his way through the company including as a forklift driver before getting the CEO position.
He inherited the company from his father, Kartar Lalvani - who founded Vitabiotics in 1971 and still remains as chairman.
Tej replaced Steve Parish on the show in series 15.
Speaking of his role, he said: “I’m very excited to be joining the Dragons’ Den line-up. I’m a shrewd investor and I’m looking forward to finding hard working, passionate people to share my business experience and knowledge with.”
Who is Jenny Campbell?
After leaving school at just 16-years-old, enterprising Jenny Campbell’s grew her fortune in the world of banking.
The shrewd businesswoman is the founder of YourCash, an ATM provider that works in several locations across Europe.
YourCash is estimated to turnover £30m and operates more than 5,000 ATMs in the retail and corporate markets.
Jenny’s achievements don’t end there, as she was also one of the senior forces behind the integration of RBS and Natwest in 2000.
As well as focusing her attention on the business world, Campbell is involved in philanthropic work.
She supports disadvantaged people through the Young Enterprise charity and also helps the Guild of Entrepreneurs and Management today.
The dragon has won a number of different awards throughout her career, including the Vitalise Business Woman of the Year and a Chartered Institute of Bankers prize.
Who is Steve Parish and why did he quit Dragon's Den?
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish was set to be one of the new investors to join BBC Two's Dragons Den last series.
However, before his first show even aired, he announced he was stepping down from the show.
He said: “On reflection, I have come to the conclusion that I couldn’t give Dragons’ Den the time and commitment the show needs and that the entrepreneurs deserve, therefore I have decided to give up my Dragons’ seat to someone else.”
The 52-year-old built his £45million empire after purchasing a stake in a company called Adplates Ltd.
Impressively, the former computer graphics worker soon assumed control of the business, which he renamed Tag Worldwide.
In 2010 he sold the London-based business to Deutsche Post DHL Group in 2010, before taking up a very different venture.
Steve Parish funnelled his money into rescuing Crystal Palace Football Club from administration in the year as selling his company.
Three years later, the South London club were promoted to the Premier League, where they have remained for four consecutive seasons.
Which Dragons have remained on the show?
Dragons Den regulars Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones and Touker Suleyman will be back putting entrepreneurs through their paces on the new series.
Peter Jones is the longest-serving dragon, appearing in more than 100 episodes since 2005.
The straight-talking tycoon has a string of successful ventures in the mobile phone, television, media, leisure and property industries.
He is estimated to be worth around £475million and was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2009.
Another familiar face is gutsy investor Deborah Meaden, who like Jenny Campbell, left school at 16.
She has raked in the cash from a variety of different trades, including West Country textile mill Fox Brothers and operating a Prize Bingo at Butlins.
Last but not least, retail businessman Touker owns a string of lucrative fashion brands.
His companies include UK label Ghost, shirt maker Hawes & Curtis and luxury leather goods start-up Huxley & Cox.
In 2015, The Sunday Times estimated he was worth £150million and listed him 637th in their Rich List.
What is Dragons' Den and when is it on?
Dragon's Den airs on BBC Two on Sundays at 8pm.
Budding entrepreneurs get three minutes to pitch their business ideas to five multimillionaires who are willing to invest their own cash to kick-start the businesses.
After each pitch, the Dragons have the opportunity to ask questions about the venture.
The entrepreneurs don't always have to answer, but of course, what they choose not to address could very well affect the outcome.
A Dragon who, having heard the pitch, does not wish to invest, must declare themselves "out", implying that they leave the discussion.