Dragons’ Den is renowned for its tough, sharp-witted judges who often leave aspiring entrepreneurs in tears with their critical assessments.
However, it seems a more approachable figure will join the formidable panel—Jamie Laing, the former Made In Chelsea star and heir to the McVitie’s fortune.
Sources reveal that Jamie, who shares a glamorous life with Made in Chelsea co-star Sophie Habboo as his wife, is set to appear as a guest investor on the 23rd season of the BBC series.
Jamie brings impressive credentials to the table, having co-founded the successful vegan confectionery brand Candy Kittens back in 2012.
The brand is known for its sweet treats inspired by popular desserts like Eton Mess, boasting a £15 million turnover in 2024 and acquiring the healthy snack brand Graze for £36 million in December.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Jamie also engages audiences as a presenter on BBC Radio 1’s drivetime slot and operates his own media company.
JamPot Productions, and hosts a popular podcast, Newly Parents, in which he and Sophie talk about bringing up their son, Ziggy, born in December.
Business acumen is clearly in the blood as Laing’s great, great-grandfather, Sir Alexander Grant, 1st Baronet, founded the biscuit company McVitie’s.
When Jamie appears on the show, which returns later this year, he’ll be joining a long line of celebrities to grace the Den and invest their own money in the business ideas of hopeful entrepreneurs. Others have included TV star Trinny Woodall, fitness expert Joe Wicks and ex-footballer Gary Neville.
Will the reality star leave his happy-go-lucky personality at the door and adopt more of a Deborah Meaden-style stare? I wouldn’t stake my money on it!
Jamie Laing (pictured with wife Sophie Habboo) will be a guest investor on the 23rd series of the BBC show Dragons’ Den, says Harriet Kean
£330m India’s bride and joy
Congratulations to India Rose James, 34, the £330million Soho heiress who’s married American fiance Daniel Vildosola in Las Vegas.
Before saying ‘I do’, India, granddaughter of late strip club owner Paul Raymond, and composer Daniel took to the roulette tables – India in a veil, Daniel in a cowboy hat, right.
Congratulations are in order for Soho heiress India Rose James, who has married American fiance Daniel Vildosola in Las Vegas (both pictured)
Get a life! Ros roasts Tinseltown
Hollywood star Rosamund Pike has revealed she once didn’t get an acting job because she was told she was ‘unapproachable’ and ‘not a flirty piece of ass’.
Pike, 47, who is starring alongside Sacha Baron Cohen in Netflix’s new film Ladies First, has some advice to those male directors: ‘Grow up is the first one,’ says the Oscar-nominated actress.
‘Closely followed by get a life. Closely followed by brush your teeth.’
Hollywood star Rosamund Pike (pictured) has revealed she once didn’t get an acting job because she was told she was ‘unapproachable’ and ‘not a flirty piece of ass’
Can I pinch that dress too, Mum?
Harper Beckham, 14, caused a stir after pinching her mother Victoria’s dress on holiday in Ibiza.
Now it looks like Posh Spice has gone shopping for a replacement outfit!
My spies saw the pair at clothes shop Annie’s Ibiza, whose fans include Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Margot Robbie.
The store is famous for its ultra-expensive, minuscule dresses which are almost always bedecked with jewels and gold.
Posh tried on a 1920s lame gown which costs £4,950 – surely a drop in the ocean when you’re a billionairess like Lady Beckham.
Harper Beckham, 14, caused a stir after pinching her mother Victoria’s dress on holiday in Ibiza (both pictured)
The real Rivals
In the new series of Rivals, the show’s male leads compete in the final of the fictional Rutshire Polo Cup.
Now fiction is becoming reality – as Disney Plus has put together a real-life polo team named after its hit show. Disney’s Rivals will make their debut at Chestertons Polo in the Park next Sunday.
Captain Jason Warren, who has played against Prince William, said: ‘Polo is aspirational. Even people who will never play it are fascinated by the lifestyle, the horses and the atmosphere around it.’
Disney Plus has put together a real-life polo team named after its hit show. Disney’s Rivals (pictured) will make their debut at Chestertons Polo in the Park next Sunday
In the new series of Rivals, the show’s male leads (pictured) compete in the final of the fictional Rutshire Polo Cup
- Chaos descended at the most recent Buckingham Palace garden party, I hear. First, former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq left both staff and guests baffled by donning a baseball cap. Then Damian Lewis was left hanging by the King, who blatantly ignored the Band of Brothers actor’s attempt at a handshake. ‘I’ve never seen a hand retreat into a pocket so quickly, it was awful,’ says my source. ‘And it was in front of everyone. Poor Damian.’
