GLAD DRAGS
Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne’s jet-setting life with wife, 43… as tycoon, 75, shows off hipster transformation
The tycoon says he feels younger in his seventies than he did aged 50 after overhauling his lifestyle
HE was once a growling, no-nonsense dragon, but these days loved-up Duncan Bannatyne is more of a silver fox.
The business tycoon has transformed his image in recent years after leaving the boardroom behind to enjoy a jet-setting life with his wife, Nigora, 43.
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This week, the former Dragons' Den star was pictured celebrating his 75th birthday in Miami, hopping on an electric bike in a funky designer shirt.
The multi-millionaire looked a world away from his days on the BBC show as he later took to a club with glamorous Nigora, posing in a captain's hat with their group of stunning friends in the VIP area.
Indeed, since tying the knot in 2017, Duncan has cut a far more relaxed figure, growing a hipster beard, sporting trendy shades and cool floral shirts.
He credits his healthier appearance with taking up yoga and insists he feels 20 years younger - no doubt helped by exotic trips with his wife to sunny hotspots like Montenegro, Portugal and St Barts.
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The philanthropist, who is worth an estimated £280million, first laid eyes on his Uzbekistan-born partner at a dental surgery on London's Harley Street in 2014 and said he fell "madly in love with her".
He told Ok! Magazine: "I spotted her in there one day while getting some crowns done. Just as I was building up the courage to speak to her, the buzzer went for my appointment.
"When I went home I couldn’t stop thinking about her, I felt obsessed! I felt in love with her."
Having worked up the courage to ask her out, Duncan popped the question in Monte Carlo in 2016 - a year after he left the Den - with a £40,000 ring.
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They wed at an intimate beach ceremony in Portugal, with the proud Scotsman wearing a traditional kilt with a jacket.
And in the years since, Duncan - who had been married twice before - hasn't been able to wipe the grin off his face.
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Jet-setting life with glam parties
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Through his health club and hotel empire, Duncan has been able to treat Nigora like an empress - sometimes quite literally.
For his 70th birthday, he threw a Roman-themed party in Barbados, where she dazzled in a glittering golden gown and he stole the show in a toga.
Even before their wedding, Nigora had flown across the world to greet him in Australia when he was booted out of I'm a Celeb in 2015 - and the jet-setting didn't stop there.
They were snapped on their honeymoon gazing into each others' eyes over lunch in Dubrovnik, Croatia, during a whirlwind tour of destinations including Monte Carlo, Switzerland and Montenegro.
I feel 20 years younger. I’m in better shape now than I was at 50
Duncan Bannatyne
In 2021, the pair were pictured soaking up the sunshine in Capri, Italy, on a luxury yacht.
The same year, Duncan reportedly bought a plush pad in Portugal after selling his £5million home in the UK.
The villa is just minutes from the beach and is complete with marble bathrooms, a gym and a heated swimming pool.
Last Christmas, the happy couple jetted off for some winter sun, strolling hand in hand at the water's edge of St Barts.
Nigora sported a stylish black strappy swimsuit, complemented by black sunglasses and a necklace.
Duncan opted for a vibrant patterned button-up shirt, paired with red swimming trunks, brown sunglasses and a black necklace.
Incredible transformation
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Duncan credits his healthier figure in recent years with overhauling his lifestyle - and taking up yoga.
Speaking in 2020, he explained: "A couple of years ago, I was in such pain with my back, I was taking six to eight painkillers a day, so I decided to try yoga.
"Within two weeks, I was off the painkillers. I feel 20 years younger. I’m in better shape now than I was at 50."
During lockdown, he also made the most of his very own fully equipped fitness studio to work out with Nigora.
Taking to Instagram, he posted videos of himself working up a sweat during an hour-long cardio session on an exercise bike, before showing off his yogic 'tree pose'.
His wardrobe has also been shaken up, dropping the sharp black suits for flamboyant floral shirts, panama fedoras and a luscious manicured beard.
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Duncan will no doubt have been inspired by Nigora's own positive - and healthy - outlook on life.
She told her Instagram followers: "Think of your body as a car, fill it with high quality energy.
"I'm 43. Nowadays you see 18-years-olds eating fast foods, drinking soda eating coloured GMO, high sugar foods, without realising what damage they are causing to their health.
"Right now their livers, kidneys are managing to filter all that junk out but with time they turn to numerous medications to heal vicious cycle."
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She also hit back at trolls who questioned their age-gap relationship, telling the Daily Mail: "You fall in love with someone for their personality, for their character, for their charm and charisma.
"Age is just age. I adore Duncan as a person and I think that's what deep love is about."
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