Why is Gary Neville not on Dragons’ Den tonight?

DRAGONS' Den has got a new face on the panel for season 21, and it's not your typical Dragon.

BBC bosses have given the long-running business series an overhaul ahead of its 21st series, and Gary Neville has a guest spot on the show.

Why is Gary Neville not on Dragons' Den tonight?

Fans of Dragons' Den are being given a treat for season 21 with a guest Dragon joining the show.

Manchester United icon Gary Neville will pull up a chair alongside the regular dragons, Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies, and Steven Bartlett.

He'll star as a guest investor as well as businesswoman Emma Grede, who is the CEO and co-founder of fashion company Good American.

The new series kicks off tonight (January 4, 2023) at 8pm on BBC One.

However, Gary will not be on the first episode, because he is due to make his appearance on a later episode.

Meanwhile, when he does appear on the show, fans can expect a good show.

Entrepreneur Peter Jones, who has starred in Dragons' Den since its first episode in 2005, said Gary "saved me some money".

He added: “They were both [Gary and Emma] absolutely awesome.”

Speaking to the , Touker Suleyman said: "This is the first time we done it and I think we enjoyed it because it's a new format.

"The thing about Dragons is this is our 21st series and it never, never goes stale. There is always something new."

Meanwhile, Gary compared the lift doors of the famous TV den to Old Trafford.

He said: “Walking through those lift doors is going to be like walking out at Old Trafford as a 19-year-old.

“Those lift doors are more famous than the Wembley tunnel. To follow in the footsteps of legends in the game like the Bannatynes of this world, the Lavanis, is something that I could never have imagined.

“This team that I’m joining, absolutely massive capabilities. Entrepreneurial skills, the flash centre forward, you can guess who that is.

“To work alongside people who’ve got a little bit of intelligence will be a new thing for me. Sorry Carra (Jamie Carragher).”

When will Gary Neville be on Dragons' Den?

The BBC have confirmed to The Sun that fans will see Gary on Dragons' Den on January 18, 2024.

But it looks like it won't be a one off for the former footy ace, as he revealed he has signed an "interim contract" with Beeb bosses.

He said in a statement: “I’m absolutely delighted to join the Dragons’ Den, even if it’s only for a very short period on an interim contract.

“I’m used to being an interim coach. I’m going to bring character, personality, drive, determination, hard work, all the things you’d want in a team player."

How much is Gary Neville worth?

It's fair to say that Mr Neville is one very rich man.

It's estimated he has assets that amount to £70M, after being involved in more than 60 businesses.

His hotel business has accumulated £20 million in assets whilst his property development company has assets of £10.5 million.

Documents have proved his remaining business have combined assets of £40 million.

How does Gary Neville make his money now?

Gary initially made his money as a footballer, playing for Manchester United.

At the height of his fame, he penned a six-year contract worth £11M in 2001.

His weekly wage of £32K reportedly doubled to over £60K towards the end of his time at the club.

Now, Mr Moneybags makes his cash through his business ventures.

He also gets paid for being a sports pundit.