Dragons’ Den star Tej Lalvani is leaving after four years on the show, he has announced.
The BBC reality business hit is returning this spring for its 18th series, with Lalvani joined by fellow investors Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Sara Davies and Touker Suleyman.
Lalvani, who wants to devote more time to his business interests, said: “I’m truly excited for the upcoming series of Dragons’ Den, which looks set to be one of the best.
“However after an incredibly enjoyable four years as a Dragon I have decided that this next series will be my last.”
He is the CEO of vitamin company Vitabiotics, which was founded in 1971 by his father Professor Kartar Lalvani and now turns over more than £300million a year.
It produces brands including Wellwoman, Perfectil and Pregnacare.
His BBC profile says: "Through hands on experience in all departments of the business from driving fork lifts to his current role as CEO Tej’s key goal and vision is to build Vitabiotics into the largest specialist vitamin company in the world."
Sarah Clay, the BBC’s commissioning editor for entertainment, said: “Despite the additional production challenges Covid-19 posed, this new series is one of the most tense and competitive yet.
“We’ll be very sorry to see Tej go as he’s one of the shrewdest and coolest Dragons ever to grace the Den."
