Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish WILL NOT be appearing on Dragons’ Den after all.
Parish has said, as a former Dragon, David Bannatyne, in his renowned Scottish tone would have, ‘I’m out’ before the Palace chairman even appeared in an episode of the BBC show.
His position, one of two changes to this series’ show, was confirmed earlier this month but Parish has now decided the level of commitment needed to appear on Dragons’ Den isn’t something he can give.
He told the BBC: ‘On reflection, I have come to the conclusion that I couldn’t give Dragons’ Den the time and commitment the show needs and that the entrepreneurs deserve, therefore I have decided to give up my Dragons’ seat to someone else.’
Parish, who was due to join Dragons’ Den along with former banker Jenny Campbell, has been replaced by Tej Lalvani.
Lalvani, chief executive of vitamin company Vitabiotics, added: ‘I’m a shrewd investor and I’m looking forward to finding hard-working, passionate people to share my business experience and knowledge with.’
That was certainly short-lived wasn’t it, which is a shame as it would have seen the Palace name mentioned regularly.
But if this meant his involvement at Selhurst Park could have been compromised, along with his other business interests of course, then Parish’s withdrawal from Dragons’ Den was the right call.
