Duncan Bannatyne reveals he is set to quit Dragons' Den after 12 series as judge

 
Final series: Duncan Bannatyne (Picture: PA)
Anthony Barnes8 July 2014

Duncan Bannatyne is set to quit his role as an investor on Dragons' Den - telling BBC producers: "There are only so many times I can say 'I'm out'".

The health club boss, 65, who has earned a reputation as a no-nonsense and tough negotiator, was one of the original team of business experts when the programme launched nine years ago.

His departure after 12 series as a judge leaves just businessman Peter Jones from the starting line-up of Dragons.

The television show sees a panel of judges deciding whether to invest their cash in ideas pitched by budding entrepreneurs.

In a statement today, Bannatyne said the forthcoming series, which begins on July 20, will be his last, adding that he will now focus on "other business commitments".

He said: "I have had the time of my life as a Dragon, I have made numerous investments and taken part in a landmark TV programme that has promoted entrepreneurship to an entire generation of Britons.

"However, after the 2014 recordings I do not plan to make any further investments on the programme so I thought it fair to ask producers to offer my seat to somebody else. There are only so many times I can say 'I'm out'.

"The series that is about to be transmitted is my final season and I'm delighted that it is full of exciting, high quality pitches. I have made a number of investments and it really is must-see business TV."

Bannatyne, who had a health scare two years ago in which he reportedly suffered a heart attack, built up his fortune with nursing homes and nurseries before founding his health club and spa chain in 1997. He was awarded an OBE for his support of charities.

Mark Linsey, the BBC's controller for entertainment commissioning, said: "Duncan has been the most formidable Dragon and we are going to miss him enormously. He has inspired many entrepreneurs to come on the show and helped make Dragons' Den a huge success for BBC2.

"His seat is going to be a difficult one to fill, but he leaves the show on a high, with this next series being the best yet."

Bannatyne is expected to remain on screen until early next year along with Jones, Deborah Meaden, Kelly Hoppen and Piers Linney.

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