Dragons’ Den: Why was Peter Jones missing as he returns tonight?

Peter Jones has been absent from Dragons’ Den in recent weeks (Picture: BBC)

Peter Jones is set to make his grand return to Dragons’ Den tonight after weeks off-screen.

The upcoming episode will see the 55-year-old businessman back alongside fellow investors Sara Davies, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman and Tej Lalvani as they prepare to potentially shake hands with budding entrepreneurs.

This time, the Den will welcome an ex schoolteacher-turned-food entrepreneur who tries to tempt the Dragons with their low-sugar children’s jams.

Meanwhile, an inventor seeks capital in his quirky pet products and a pair of optometrists hope to wow with their anti-blue light filtering idea.

But where on earth has Peter been these past few weeks?

Why was Peter Jones missing from Dragons’ Den?

The businessman will be rejoining the other Dragons tonight (Picture: BBC)

Peter Jones has been absent from Dragons’ Den after was forced to self-isolate as a result of coronavirus while filming the series.

The businessman revealed the news on social media and announced that former Dragon Theo Paphitis would be stepping in as his replacement.

He wrote: ‘Since Dragons’ Den began 16 years ago I haven’t missed a single day’s filming however during the last series I had to self-isolate.

‘When discussing with @BBCOne who could stand in for me I chose @TheoPaphitis as he is one of the great past Dragon.’

Theo responded: ‘Thank you @dragonjones ! It was an absolute blast being back.’

More: Dragons’ Den

Introducing the returning Theo earlier in the series, host Evan Davis explained: ‘This week there’s a new but very familiar face in one of the chairs, because even Dragons aren’t immune to the effects of the pandemic.

‘With Peter Jones having to self-isolate, high street heavyweight Theo Paphitis has stepped in to take his place.’

Dragons’ Den airs Thursdays at 9pm on BBC One.

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