Dragons' Den to return next year with new mystery entrepreneur

FIERY BUNCH: From Left, Barry O'Sullivan, Gavin Duffy, Sean O'Sullivan and Peter Casey on the set of RTE's Dragons Den

Tom Lyons

RTE'S popular TV show Dragons' Den will be returning to our screens next year for a sixth series after programme makers Shinawil tied down a new deal with RTE and sponsors Bank of Ireland.

However, while four of last year's panel of dragons are returning, Cork-based technology investor Sean O'Sullivan has had to drop out of the series because of his very busy schedule.

O'Sullivan had been a popular dragon on the show for two years and, while based in Cork, he spends a lot of time in China and the United States.

He hasn't ruled out coming back in the future.

The identity of the new dragon has not been disclosed.

Like last year, the new series will include two episodes dedicated to Junior Dragons' Den, where secondary school kids pitched their business ideas to the panel of investors.

Any budding entrepreneur who fancies their chances of landing a deal on the show can contact Shinawil at (01) 406 6433 or watch out for updates shortly at bankofireland.com/dragons.