10:41 07 January 2011
Dragon James Caan has ruled himself out of the next series of Dragons' Den due to "work commitments".
Show producers have announced that the Pakistan-born self-made millionaire will not be taking part in any more shows.
Caan himself commented today, saying:
"I have greatly enjoyed my time in the DragonsÂ’ Den, however my work and philanthropic interests mean I canÂ’t devote the time required to the Den any longer.
"DragonsÂ’ Den has been an integral and exciting part of my professional life and I thank the show profusely for letting me be a part of it for so long.
"Unfortunately, IÂ’m out!"
Dominic Bird, Executive Editor of DragonsÂ’ Den at the BBC said of the 50-year-olds decision:
"James has been a fearsome dragon over the last two years and although weÂ’ll be sorry to see him leave the den, we appreciate he is very busy with his new endeavours.
"We wish him luck and hope to work with him again soon on new projects."