To think Deborah Meaden on Strictly is an insult to women in business

I don't watch Dragons Den and have only occasionally watched Strictly, but I think you are being slightly dismissive of the skills required to dance well, Jess. While the false glamour and superficiality of Strictly are not things I admire, the ability to dance well, and the determination to learn, is different.
As one who loves dancing but struggles to do it properly, I think any amateur who sets herself the challenge of going in for Strictly is being brave, and I agree with Jo8 that Ann Widdecombe didn't make a fool of herself.

I don't watch Dragons Den but I have heard that if they do invest in your company they want a really large share - some people turn them down because they are not willing to part with a large chunk of their company.

They also get it wrong as the dragons did turn down the man who produces the Trunki. I only know this because I read about it in the local newspaper!

Anne Widdecombe did NOT make a fool of herself!!! How can you say that? She was great!

It must be a fantastic way to get fit and lose a bit of weight!

Perhaps she is a role model for not taking yourself too seriously. Lighten up its just a lighthearted tv programme.

They don't always make fools of themselves Jess (ok, Edwina Currie and Anne Widdecombe did), but some of the middle aged women turned into pretty good dancers.

JessM Kelly Hoppen has now joined DM on Dragons Den.

You don't think it important bags that a high profile woman who could be a role model for women wanting to start their own business is one minute presenting herself as an intimidating hard headed 'dragon' and the next minute potentially making a fool of herself in sequins and false eyelashes?
I don't think either stereotype is remotely helpful.
Don't suppose you watch Strictly either but they always seem to recruit 2 or 3 middle aged women (and some men as well) who seem willing to make fools of themselves.
If retired sportswomen, out of work TV presenters or slightly forgotten singers want to take part then that's fine by me.

It's on at 8pm this evening, BBC2.... just in case anyone is interested.

Thanks for the info, jess. Still not sure it matters that I'm 'missing' it. As henetha says, each to their own.

Dragons Den is a business programme in which budding entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of rich business people. The aim is to get one of the panel to invest in your business and act as a mentor. DM is the only female on the panel. She has started up several companies e.g. Red Letter Day.
It is presented as a fairly serious business programme with Evan Davies as lineman. Several of the "contestants" are usually awful with one or two having a viable proposition. It is a very successful TV programme and has been running for years. DM presents herself on that as a hard headed MD.

Fair enough. Each to his own.

I have no idea who this woman is nor what Dragon's Den is. Whatsmore, I don't think I'm missing anything important.

She's a regular on Dragon's Den.

I have no idea who this woman is!

Live and let live, I think. I can't see any harm in her indulging in a bit of dancing on tele.

Maybe she is just showing her multitasking skills.

Lots of 'famous' people hanker after being on these reality shows, and if she wants to learn another skill (?) and can fit it into her life, well, I don't see why she shouldn't.

I don't think she is letting anyone down in the business world.