Dragons’ Den is famous for its steely, savvy judges who can leave would-be entrepreneurs in tears over their flawed business plans.
But now I hear there will be a far more friendly face among the terrifying panel – the former Made In Chelsea star and McVitie’s heir Jamie Laing.
I’m told Jamie, who is married to glamorous Made in Chelsea co-star Sophie Habboo will be a guest investor on the 23rd series of the BBC show.
The TV star certainly has the credentials, having successfully co-founded vegan confectioner Candy Kittens in 2012.
The brand, which sells sweets based on puddings such as Eton Mess, had a £15 million turnover in 2024 and in December acquired healthy snack brand Graze for £36million.
As well as presenting BBC Radio 1’s drivetime slot, Jamie also runs 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.’
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