Yahoo Movies Tej Lalvani announces 'Dragons' Den' departure
Tej Lalvani has announced his departure from Dragons' Den after taking part in four series.
The businessman explained in a Twitter thread that he was leaving his role as a ‘Dragon’ on the BBC show to focus on his vitamins company and his "portfolio of investments".
"After 4 proud years as a Dragon on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, I’ve decided that the upcoming series will be my last," he shared.
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"I look back on my time in the Den with great fondness. I entered tentatively as someone who had no idea what to expect. I leave having met so many incredible people, with unforgettable memories and, of course, numerous successful investments!"
After 4 proud years as a Dragon on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, I’ve decided that the upcoming series will be my last. pic.twitter.com/8aLOvQzxOt
— Tej Lalvani (@TejLalvani) January 28, 2021
"As my own business, @vitabiotics, continues to expand, and my portfolio of investments grows, I am no longer able to dedicate the necessary time and attention to the show.
"I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been a part of the journey and wish them all the very best for the future.
"And a big thanks to my fans for your fantastic support. I'll still be very active on social media, so stay tuned for the great content that’s coming up!"
He went on to tease that the upcoming 18th series will be "one of the best" and that the already recorded season is set to air in March.
Thanks for watching! @ToukerSuleyman, @SaraDaviesCC, @DeborahMeaden, @TejLalvani and @dragonjones are lying in wait for next Sunday’s brave entrepreneurs… see you at 9pm on @BBCTwo #dragonsden pic.twitter.com/yj3tuEM9Ki
— BBC Dragons' Den (@BBCDragonsDen) March 22, 2020
Lalvani will be joined in his last run by his fellow entrepreneurs Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Sara Davies and Touker Suleyman in the 14-part series.
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During his time on the show, Lalvani invested in a number of businesses including male make-up brand War Paint for Men.
John Lewis reported last year, prior to England's first lockdown, that a trial in its Oxford Street store had exceeded expectations and that it had plans to roll it out across the country.
Founder Daniel Gray landed a joint investment from Lalvani and Jones at £70,000 for a 12% stake in the business in a 2019 episode.
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