Dragons’ Den’s Evan Davis reveals brutal reason he was chosen by BBC bosses to host hit show ahead of new series
DRAGONS’ Den’s Evan Davis has revealed the brutal reason why BBC bosses chose him to host the show.
The popular business programme debuted in 2005, with Evan at the helm.
Speaking to The Guardian, the presenter opened up about how BBC chiefs selected him for the role.
Then the Beeb’s economics editor, he’d gotten a phone call from the entertainment department.
They told Evan their plans to make a UK version of a “wacky Japanese show”.
Ultimately, they sought his advice on who to hire as host.
Evan told them: “I think you want someone without much personality because the personality has to come from the Dragons.”
To which they responded: “That’s exactly what we thought.
“We thought you’d be perfect for the job.”
Meanwhile, Evan added: “I probably should have taken it as an insult.”
It comes as the show is set to return to screens later this week – January 9 at 8pm, on BBC One.
Dragons’ Den viewers were previously left “baffled” after the broadcaster and journalist appeared to “go missing” from the show.
Evans stars alongside “Dragons” Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Sara Davies, Steven Bartlett and Touker Souleyman.
Viewers noticed he no longer visually appeared on camera at the beginning and end of episodes.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, fans posted their observations.
One posted: “Evan Davies can’t even be a***d schlepping up to Salford Quays for a ten second intro these days. #DragonsDen.”
Another added: “Where’s erm Evan Davis? #dragonsden.”
Dragons’ Den returns for its 22nd series on January 9th at 8pm on BBC One.
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.