Interior designer Kelly Hoppen is the latest businesswoman to join the Dragons’ Den, hoping to bring a sparkle of creativity to the popular BBC Two show.
The 53-year-old queen of the design world has already appeared on television in her Superior Interiors show on Channel Five, clearly impressing the Dragons’ Den producers.
Hoppen said: “I have always been passionate about championing entrepreneurs, so being able to take it to the next level by investing my money in innovative new businesses is very exciting.
“Having started my design business as a teenager, building a global brand through two recessions, I understand the reality of running a creative business.
“I’m looking forward to bringing a different perspective into the Den and to hopefully finding an undiscovered gem or two.”
The South African born designer will be joined by another new dragon whose identity remains secret, following the departure of Hilary Devey and Theo Paphitis, the latter of which had been in the show since the second series.
Ceri Aston, executive producer of Dragons’ Den, said: “Kelly is an exciting addition to the Dragons’ Den line-up.
“With her creative energy, business acumen and acute sense of style, she embodies everything that’s great about British design. I’m thrilled to have her on board.”
Hoppen was awarded an MBE in 2022 for her services to interior design and is famed for her use of taupe and beige.
It’s unlikely she’ll be fazed by appearing alongside notorious Dragons such as Duncan Bannatyne and Peter Jones, having designed homes for the likes of David Beckham.
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