DEBORAH Meaden rose to fame for being one of the Dragons on Dragon's Den as well as being an entrpreneur.
She's become known for being fiery and soon became a fan favourite but who is she?
Who is Deborah Meaden, how old is she and what is her background?
Deborah Meaden is a businesswoman and star of Dragons' Den.
She was born on February 11, 1959 in Somerset, Deborah grew up in Essex before moving back to the West Country.
She first got a taste for business when leading paid pony rides along the beach in Minehead at the age of just eight.
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She then left school when she was 16 and studied at Brighton Technical College, before setting up a glass and ceramics export agency while living in Italy.
That venture was unsuccessful so she returned to the UK and bought a textile franchise.
Having sold that she went into the retail and leisure industries and even operated Prize Bingo in Minehead.
Through the 90s she owned Weststar Holidays and once that had been sold, acquired Fox Brothers, a textile mill, in 2009.
In 2011 she launched The Merchant Fox, a website selling luxury British-made goods.
What is her net worth?
Deborah's net worth is estimated to be roughly £40 million.
She ran a multimillion-pound family holiday business, before completing a management buyout.
Since joining the panel of Dragons' Den, the magnetic Meaden has invested more than £2 million in 33 ventures - according to her website.
When did Deborah Meaden join Dragons' Den?
Deborah took over from Rachel Elnaugh on the third series of Dragons' Den back in 2003.
At the time she was the only female dragon, alongside Duncan Bannatyne, Richard Farleigh, Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis.
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Deborah took part in the 2013 series of Strictly, partnered with Robin Windsor.
She lasted five weeks, with Abbey Clancy eventually going on to win the series.
Who is Deborah Meaden's husband Paul?
Deborah married long-term boyfriend Paul in 1993 and they live in Somerset.
Paul and Deborah met when he was working at Weststar during his university break in 1985.
They separated briefly due to the fact she didn't want a family but after she took a trip to Venezuela, she returned to London and they tied the knot.
In an interview with the Telegraph in 2011 Deborah revealed that she doesn't do any housework because Paul is in charge of the "domestic chores."
In 2009 Deborah released book Common Sense Rules, using a ghostwriter.
What is Dragon's Den?
Budding entrepreneurs get three minutes to pitch their business ideas to five multi millionaires who are willing to invest their own cash to kick-start the businesses.
The entrepreneurs don't always have to answer, but of course, what they choose not to address could very well affect the outcome.
A Dragon who, having heard the pitch, does not wish to invest, must declare themselves "out", implying that they leave the discussion.
When is Dragon's Den on TV and how can I watch it?
Dragon's Den returns to BBC One on Thursday, January 4, at 8pm.
The new series will see new episodes air weekly at the same time.
If you miss any upcoming episodes, just head over to BBC iPlayer, where they will be available to watch there.
