I'm out! Duncan Bannatyne walks out on Dragons' Den after 12 seasons

Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne says that the move is due to 'other business commitments'.

16:18 09 July 2014

After 12 seasons of being the most formidable beast in the Dragons' Den, Duncan Bannatyne has told producers: “I’m out!”

The health club boss and business magnate, who was one of the original team of experts drafted in when the programme launched nine years ago said that his departure was due to “other business commitments.” Bannatyne has now made the announcement that the forthcoming series will be his last.

He said: 'I have had the time of my life as a Dragon, I have made numerous investments and taken part in a landmark TV programme that has promoted entrepreneurship to an entire generation of Britons.

'However, after the 2014 recordings I do not plan to make any further investments on the programme so I thought it fair to ask producers to offer my seat to somebody else. There are only so many times I can say 'I'm out'.

'The series that is about to be transmitted is my final season and I'm delighted that it is full of exciting, high quality pitches. I have made a number of investments and it really is must-see business TV.'