Latest news with #DRAGONS'Den
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Dragon's Den star reveals biggest regret after investing millions on BBC show
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DRAGONS' Den legend Duncan Bannatyne wishes he had quit the telly hit sooner – so he could concentrate on his own endeavours. The gym chain boss, 76, forked out over £2 million on 36 investments during his ten-year reign on the BBC show. 4 Duncan doesn't miss Dragons' Den. Credit: BBC 4 Duncan with wife Nigora in Portugal. However, after bowing out in 2015, followed by his last major TV appearance in I'm A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here in the same year, he revealed that he regrets not declaring 'I'm out' years earlier. Duncan said: 'I left the show ten years ago. I regret not leaving earlier, actually, as it's a huge commitment and takes up 26 days of the year to film. I spent a lot of time away from my family. 'When you invest in someone, you then need to take responsibility for that person and make hard decisions, sometimes it's not nice. 'I just didn't want to be involved in it any more, I have my own businesses.' Duncan also revealed he doesn't regularly keep in touch with his fellow Dragons. He added: 'We all lead very different lives, but I did bump into Theo recently.' And reflecting on his TV career, Duncan says he's unlikely to return to the small screen. He says: 'I don't think I'll do any more television — it doesn't appeal to me. I've done everything I wanted to.' Away from television, Clydebank-born Duncan leads a busy and fulfilling personal and professional life. He began his career in the Royal Navy in the 1960s, but received a dishonourable discharge after threatening to throw an abusive officer off a boat landing jetty. His entrepreneurial journey began at age 30 when he bought an ice-cream van for £450. From there he built the largest chain of independent health clubs in the UK and expanded into hotels and property. I was on Dragons' Den - here's which Dragon is the most intimidating and which one is totally different off camera Today, Duncan oversees 68 gyms, takes pride in being a devoted husband and enjoys spending time with his seven grandchildren. He's also involved in charity work, including Operation Smile, a global organisation dedicated to helping children with cleft conditions. He says: 'I went to a black tie dinner and one of the auction prizes was a trip to Mexico with Operation Smile. I bid for it and won. 'On that trip, I was absolutely amazed at how the charity transforms lives. Children with cleft conditions are often ridiculed, called 'demons' and suffer from malnourishment due to difficulties eating. 'In the UK these issues are resolved quickly but in many parts of the world there aren't enough trained medics to address them.' Duncan is currently on a charity mission in Morocco with Uzbekistan-born wife Nigora Whitehorn, 45. The multi-millionaire tied the knot in 2017 with the stunning brunette, who is 31 years his junior. They at an intimate ceremony before family and friends on a Portuguese beach, close to where they live. The entrepreneur has five daughters and one son from his previous marriages, while Nigora has one daughter who Duncan calls his own. They met shortly after his divorce in 2011 from his second wife, Joanna McCue, which is said to have cost £345 million. Nigora was working as a dentist's receptionist in London's Harley Street when the pair first met. Duncan admitted that the connection on his side was instantaneous. 4 He's much happier doing charity work now. Credit: Supplied 4 Duncan enjoys working closely with his wife after quitting telly. Credit: instagram The smitten husband said: 'It's great that I get to do charity work alongside my wife, we're a good team. But it's not just my wife, I've got my son and daughter here with me as well as my wife's daughter, who I call my own. 'It's like a family operation, I get to spend time with my loved ones while doing work for a great cause.' Duncan told how he keeps in touch with families and feels a sense of attachment after hearing of their horrific ordeals. And he is happy to pull on a surgical gown and watch doctors at work in the operating theatre. He added: 'Handing a baby back to their mother after the procedure is an amazing feeling. "There are about 400 children at one time and sometimes you get attached to a certain child. You want to see them through the full process. I've kept in touch with a few families. "One story that sticks out was a young girl with six fingers. She had no nose and was coming in for her cleft lip and the surgeon used her extra finger to create a nose.' Duncan also loves spending quality time with his seven grandchildren. He said: 'I get to see them quite a bit, most of them spend summer with me in my house in Portugal. 'A few of them are out here with me now, my oldest grandson came over too. My granddaughter works for one of my clubs — she's loving it.' Duncan shows no signs of slowing down after dancing the night away in February at a Miami nightclub for his star-studded 76th birthday bash. Nigora declared her devotion to the Scots entrepreneur online, saying: 'I love you to the moon and back . . . Happy birthday to someone who never fails to brighten my day.' A source said at the time: 'Duncan had an absolute ball. There might be a few sore heads in the morning, but it was worth it.' The Scot has also swapped the boardroom for board games. He adds: 'During my downtime here in Morocco, I like to relax — by thrashing my son at backgammon.'
Scottish Sun
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Dragons' Den star leaves fans ‘gutted' after revealing bosses ‘forced' them to axe new role away from hit BBC show
HEATING UP Dragons' Den star leaves fans 'gutted' after revealing bosses 'forced' them to axe new role away from hit BBC show A DRAGONS' Den star has left fans feeling 'gutted' after revealing that bosses 'forced' them to axe their new role away from the hit BBC show. Evan Davis, who hosts BBC Dragons' Den, teamed up with Bean Beanland to talk about the positives and negatives of heat pumps. Advertisement 2 A Dragons' Den star has left fans feeling 'gutted' after revealing that bosses 'forced' them to axe their new role away from the hit BBC show Credit: BBC 2 Evan Davis, who hosts BBC Dragons' Den, teamed up with Bean Beanland to talk about the positives and negatives of heat pumps Credit: BBC But he has told his followers that their Happy Heat Pump Podcast will be coming to an end after only 20 episodes. The podcast was first launched in November 2024 and growing a following of fans, with over 900 subscribers on YouTube. However, Evan has now said the podcast will no longer produce episodes. Posting on social media, the BBC radio host wrote: "Sorry to say that after about 20 episodes, we're drawing it to a close at the request of the BBC, which worries it may be seen as steering into areas of public controversy. Advertisement "The BBC legitimately regulates its presenters' external activities. "And for good reason, they like us to avoid stepping into live arguments. "Thanks to the thousands of folks who've listened. The episodes will remain online.. a great introduction to heat pumps." His followers were shocked at the announcement and one person said: "This is shocking! I thought the move to heat pumps was inevitable so where's the controversy?" Advertisement "How the hell are heat pumps controversial? This says more about the BBC to be honest." added another. A third exclaimed: "Controversial? Are heat pumps seen as left wing? I think this is more a reflection of the BBC than anything else." Dragons' Den's Evan Davis reveals brutal reason he was chosen by BBC bosses to host hit show ahead of new series While another added: "This is sad news, that the BBC seems to be scared of its own shadow. "The only way to enable people to take an informed view on controversial matters such a net zero is to provide fact based advice. Advertisement "This podcast seems very much in keeping with those BBC values." "The BBC kowtowing to vested the controversy. That's the bias" added another follower. Evan's official description of the podcast on YouTube reads: "It's a UK objective to replace gas boilers over the coming two decades, with heat pumps being seen as the obvious alternative. "It will be a massive project to change the way we heat our homes - we might be installing 25 million of these devices in the next three decades. Advertisement "So what are they? What do they cost? What are the positives and negatives of heat pumps? "Always curious about the scale of the transition upon which we are set to embark, Evan will be looking at heat pumps in a dispassionate way, with Bean helping along the way… hoping to inform you if you're thinking of buying one. "Or if you work in the industry, or if you are simply interested in the journey to net zero." "Please do get in touch with any questions and we will try to answer them in future episodes happyheatpumppod@ or please leave a happy comment."
The Sun
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Dragons' Den star leaves fans ‘gutted' after revealing bosses ‘forced' them to axe new role away from hit BBC show
A DRAGONS' Den star has left fans feeling 'gutted' after revealing that bosses 'forced' them to axe their new role away from the hit BBC show. Evan Davis, who hosts BBC Dragons' Den, teamed up with Bean Beanland to talk about the positives and negatives of heat pumps. 2 2 But he has told his followers that their Happy Heat Pump Podcast will be coming to an end after only 20 episodes. The podcast was first launched in November 2024 and growing a following of fans, with over 900 subscribers on YouTube. However, Evan has now said the podcast will no longer produce episodes. Posting on social media, the BBC radio host wrote: "Sorry to say that after about 20 episodes, we're drawing it to a close at the request of the BBC, which worries it may be seen as steering into areas of public controversy. "The BBC legitimately regulates its presenters' external activities. "And for good reason, they like us to avoid stepping into live arguments. "Thanks to the thousands of folks who've listened. The episodes will remain online.. a great introduction to heat pumps." His followers were shocked at the announcement and one person said: "This is shocking! I thought the move to heat pumps was inevitable so where's the controversy?" "How the hell are heat pumps controversial? This says more about the BBC to be honest." added another. A third exclaimed: "Controversial? Are heat pumps seen as left wing? I think this is more a reflection of the BBC than anything else." Dragons' Den's Evan Davis reveals brutal reason he was chosen by BBC bosses to host hit show ahead of new series While another added: "This is sad news, that the BBC seems to be scared of its own shadow. "The only way to enable people to take an informed view on controversial matters such a net zero is to provide fact based advice. "This podcast seems very much in keeping with those BBC values." "The BBC kowtowing to vested the controversy. That's the bias" added another follower. Dragons' Den stars - past and present Dragons' Den has been on our screens since 2005 and sees entrepreneurs enter the Den to try and win investment for their businesses from the Dragons. Over the years there have been many wealthy investors sitting in the famous seats, here's a rundown of them all and how long they were on the show for. Peter Jones - series 1 - present Deborah Meaden - series 3 - present Touker Suleyman - series 13 - present Sara Davies - series 17 - present Steven Bartlett - series 19 - present Duncan Bannatyne - series 1 - 12 Rachel Elnaugh - series 1 and 2 Doug Richard - series 1 and 2 Simon Woodroffe - series 1 Theo Paphitis - series 2 -10 Richard Farleigh - series 3 and 4 James Caan - series 5-8 Hilary Devey - series 9 and 10 Kelly Hoppen - series 11 and 12 Piers Linney - series 11 and 12 Nick Jenkins - series 13 and 14 Sarah Willingham - series 13 and 14 Jenny Campbell - series 15 and 16 Tej Lalvani - series 15 - 18 Emma Grede and Gary Neville were guest Dragons during series 21. Evan's official description of the podcast on YouTube reads: "It's a UK objective to replace gas boilers over the coming two decades, with heat pumps being seen as the obvious alternative. "It will be a massive project to change the way we heat our homes - we might be installing 25 million of these devices in the next three decades. "So what are they? What do they cost? What are the positives and negatives of heat pumps? "Always curious about the scale of the transition upon which we are set to embark, Evan will be looking at heat pumps in a dispassionate way, with Bean helping along the way… hoping to inform you if you're thinking of buying one. "Or if you work in the industry, or if you are simply interested in the journey to net zero." "Please do get in touch with any questions and we will try to answer them in future episodes happyheatpumppod@ or please leave a happy comment."
The Irish Sun
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Dragons' Den star leaves fans ‘gutted' after revealing bosses ‘forced' them to axe new role away from hit BBC show
A DRAGONS' Den star has left fans feeling 'gutted' after revealing that bosses 'forced' them to axe their new role away from the hit BBC show. 2 A Dragons' Den star has left fans feeling 'gutted' after revealing that bosses 'forced' them to axe their new role away from the hit BBC show Credit: BBC 2 Evan Davis, who hosts BBC Dragons' Den, teamed up with Bean Beanland to talk about the positives and negatives of heat pumps Credit: BBC But he has told his followers that their Happy Heat Pump Podcast will be coming to an end after only 20 episodes. The podcast was first launched in November 2024 and growing a following of fans, with over 900 subscribers on YouTube. However, Evan has now said the podcast will no longer produce episodes. Posting on social media, the BBC radio host wrote: "Sorry to say that after about 20 episodes, we're drawing it to a close at the request of the BBC, which worries it may be seen as steering into areas of public controversy. Dragons Den "The BBC legitimately regulates its presenters' external activities. "And for good reason, they like us to avoid stepping into live arguments. "Thanks to the thousands of folks who've listened. The episodes will remain online.. a great introduction to heat pumps." His followers were shocked at the announcement and one person said: "This is shocking! I thought the move to heat pumps was inevitable so where's the controversy?" Most read in News TV " How the hell are heat pumps controversial? This says more about the BBC to be honest." added another. A third exclaimed: "Controversial? Are heat pumps seen as left wing? I think this is more a reflection of the BBC than anything else." Dragons' Den's Evan Davis reveals brutal reason he was chosen by BBC bosses to host hit show ahead of new series While another added: "This is sad news, that the BBC seems to be scared of its own shadow. "The only way to enable people to take an informed view on controversial matters such a net zero is to provide fact based advice. "This podcast seems very much in keeping with those BBC values." "The BBC kowtowing to vested the controversy. That's the bias" added another follower. Dragons' Den stars - past and present Dragons' Den has been on our screens since 2005 and sees entrepreneurs enter the Den to try and win investment for their businesses from the Dragons. Over the years there have been - series 1 - present - series 3 - present - series 13 - present - series 17 - present - series 19 - present - series 1 - 12 - series 1 and 2 Doug Richard - series 1 and 2 Simon Woodroffe - series 1 - series 2 -10 Richard Farleigh - series 3 and 4 James Caan - series 5-8 - series 9 and 10 - series 11 and 12 Piers Linney - series 11 and 12 Nick Jenkins - series 13 and 14 - series 13 and 14 - series 15 and 16 - series 15 - 18 were guest Dragons during series 21. Evan's official description of the podcast on YouTube reads: "It's a UK objective to replace gas boilers over the coming two decades, with heat pumps being seen as the obvious alternative. "It will be a massive project to change the way we heat our homes - we might be installing 25 million of these devices in the next three decades. "So what are they? What do they cost? What are the positives and negatives of heat pumps? "Always curious about the scale of the transition upon which we are set to embark, Evan will be looking at heat pumps in a dispassionate way, with Bean helping along the way… hoping to inform you if you're thinking of buying one. "Or if you work in the industry, or if you are simply interested in the journey to net zero." "Please do get in touch with any questions and we will try to answer them in future episodes happyheatpumppod@ or please leave a happy comment."
