Dragons' Den Star Brands Gary Neville a 'Softie' Investor in Candid Podcast Revelation
Former Manchester United and England footballer Gary Neville has been described as the "biggest softie" when it comes to investment by his Dragons' Den co-star Touker Suleyman, in a revealing podcast conversation that sheds light on the guest dragon's true colours. Neville, 50, has returned to BBC One's hit business show as a guest investor, where he judges entrepreneurs seeking backing for their ventures.
The Property Mogul Turned Generous Dragon
While Gary Neville is best known for his illustrious football career as a defender for Manchester United and England, he has built an extensive property portfolio during and after his playing days. The BBC highlights his role spearheading the £450 million St. Michael's development in Manchester, having secured over £200 million in overseas investment for the project. This business acumen has translated to the Dragons' Den, but with a surprisingly tender approach according to his fellow investor.
Touker Suleyman's Candid Assessment
Speaking on the Hawes and Curtis Touker Time podcast, 72-year-old Touker Suleyman – who made his fortune in fashion before moving into investments – questioned how Neville would fare as a permanent dragon. "This gentleman here is the biggest softie when it comes to investment," Suleyman declared. "Thank god he has only been a guest. If he was there full time he'd need a printing machine – he'd invest in everything."
Suleyman went on to joke that Neville likes to offer a bit of "Mancunian help" to contestants as they deliver their pitches, highlighting the former footballer's sympathetic approach to the nervous entrepreneurs.
Gary Neville's Investment Philosophy
In response, Gary Neville admitted to his generous investment style, explaining: "Honestly, people come in and if I like them, I think, 'Oh they deserve a little bit of Mancunian love' and just give them a little bit of investment." He revealed he feels genuine sympathy for contestants, acknowledging: "I have to say, when they walk through the door, how nervous they must be, but when I'm looking at them I'm thinking, 'I'm glad I'm not stood where you are.'"
Neville went on to describe how Suleyman "drills" contestants over their finances almost immediately, with fellow dragons Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones joining the interrogation. "You have to be quite resilient when you come through the doors," Neville added, admitting he even gets "a little bit nervous" when confronted by the dragons himself, imagining how terrified contestants must feel facing the panel.
Contrasting Investment Approaches
Touker Suleyman, who has been a dragon since 2015, explained his more cautious investment philosophy: "If you're investing your hard-earned cash, you can't just give it away, and some people like to pull the wool over your eyes." He emphasised that the "most important thing" he looks for is a business he can genuinely help improve, contrasting with Neville's more emotionally-driven approach.
Guest Dragons Bring Fresh Energy
Gary Neville returns to Dragons' Den from 8pm tonight on BBC One, with this week's pitches including skincare made from rescued food, a device for keeping golf balls spotless, a mortgage assistance app, and spicy seasoning balls. This series features several guest dragons alongside the regular panel, including rapper Tinie Tempah, serial entrepreneur and REFY CEO Jenna Meek, and Tropic Skincare founder Susie Ma.
Tinie Tempah expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating: "I have a keen interest in supporting emerging entrepreneurs as well as investing in a wide-ranging portfolio of businesses, so Dragons' Den was an opportunity I simply couldn't turn down. I am ecstatic to become a guest dragon and look forward to seeing where I can help, bring value and of course invest in some of these brilliant businesses and people that step into the Den."
Samantha Davies, Executive Producer at BBC Studios Entertainment, commented on the guest dragons: "Audiences love the powerful combination of our much-loved regular dragons and the fresh energy guest dragons bring to the Den – and this series, we're going bigger than ever. We're thrilled to welcome back Gary, alongside three formidable new business titans, all ready to uncover the next generation of bold, brilliant and disruptive entrepreneurs. There's no better place to ignite that ambition than right here in the Den!"
