Out with the old dragons (like Arlene Dickinson, David Chilton, and Vikram Vij) and in with three new dragons: Calgary-born distillery and brewery owner Manjit Minhas, Toronto-born Buytopia.ca co-founder Michele Romanow, and the name behind the brand Joe Fresh (amongst others) Joe Mimran.
Both Dickinson and Chilton announced their departure from “Dragons’ Den” this past February, and hot on the heels of that news, restaurant and foodie mogul Vij is also leaving. According to reports, Vij is moving on after just one season on the show because he’d like to pursue personal business interests. Meanwhile, Dickinson, one of the original dragons, feels like the time has come to move on as well. “I know all about dreams,” Dickinson said in a statement (CBC News). “The opportunity to be a dragon has made some of mine come true. But I still have some big dreams, ones I want and need to chase.” She appeared in eight seasons of the show. Meanwhile, Chilton, author of the book “The Wealthy Barber,” has signed off after just three seasons on “Dragons’ Den.” He told CBC News, “Leaving was truly the toughest business decision I’ve ever made. However, with 22 closed deals and all the due-diligence work, I was having trouble finding time for some new opportunities I want to pursue.”
“We change the show year over year,” said Jennifer Dettman, who is executive director of unscripted content at CBC (CBC News), following the announcement of Vij’s departure and the addition of Minhas and Romanow to the cast. “The dragons are really critical absolutely to the show, but it’s bigger than that. The core of the show is really about making people’s dreams come true and that’s a story that doesn’t grow old for viewers.”
Photo: Dragons’ Den/CBC
