Theo Paphitis has left the hit entrepreneur show Dragons’ Den to concentrate on running his string of businesses.
Paphitis said he was sad to leave after “nine intense and fun-packed series”.
He said: “This has not been an easy decision or one that I have taken lightly”. He described his time on the show as a “wonderful experience”.
The show, hosted by Evan Davis, has made stars out of the Dragons the wealthy investors who choose whether to back the contestants including Hilary Devey and Scot Duncan Bannatyne.
Among its successes have been Levi Roots, who won investment for his Reggae Reggae Sauce and has gone on to found his own food empire.
Janice Hadlow, controller of BBC2, said: “I’d like to thank Theo for everything he has done over many years to make Dragons’ Den one of the jewels in BBC2’s crown.
“He’ll be much missed, not only for his dragon-like ability to interrogate an idea, but also for the generosity of spirit he always showed towards any entrepreneur he thought was doing their best.
“He will be much missed in the den, and we wish him all the very best for the future.”
