Gary Neville has emerged as the leading contender to join the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, with bookmakers tipping the former Manchester United and England footballer to replace departing investor Sara Davies on the hit entrepreneurial show.
According to the latest odds from SportsCasting, Neville is now the 2/1 favourite to take a seat in the famous Den, placing him ahead of fellow business heavyweights Baroness Karren Brady at 4/1 and fashion entrepreneur Emma Grede at 9/2.
The BBC has yet to announce who will replace Davies, who joined the panel in 2019 and quickly became one of the show’s most popular Dragons.
Neville, 50, has built an impressive business portfolio since retiring from football, transforming himself into a prominent figure in both entrepreneurship and broadcasting.
His ventures include the luxury Hotel Football near Old Trafford, the University Academy 92 (UA92) education partnership in Manchester, and a series of successful property developments across the North West.
His growing reputation in business circles, coupled with his television experience on Sky Sports and political engagement online, has made him an increasingly recognisable figure beyond football.
“Gary Neville has moved ahead in the odds to replace Sara Davies, reflecting his growing profile in business and broadcasting,” said Steven McQuillan, spokesperson for SportsCasting.
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Gary Neville has emerged as the leading contender to join the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, with bookmakers tipping the former Manchester United and England footballer to replace departing investor Sara Davies on the hit entrepreneurial show
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“While his appointment might spark some debate given recent controversies, Karren Brady and Emma Grede remain strong contenders with proven track records and positive reception.
“The market suggests viewers are looking for a fresh face who can bring both credibility and charisma to the Den.”
Neville’s outspoken nature and willingness to address political and social issues have helped shape his public image — though not without controversy.
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Sara Davies is leaving BBC Dragon's Den
| BBCIn a video shared last week, following the tragic Manchester synagogue attack, Neville criticised the rising divisiveness in the UK, attributing it to what he called “angry, middle-aged white men” and condemning the use of Union Jack flags for “inflammatory reasons.”
“Seeing the news last night and this morning dominated by the horrific attacks within the Jewish community, just a mile from here,” he said in the video.
“When I was driving to Salford City last night, I saw probably 50 or 60 Union Jack flags.
“And on the way back down Bury New Road, which has got the Jewish community right at its heart, they were out on the streets — defiant, not hiding or in fear.
“I just kept thinking as I was driving home that we’re all being turned on each other. The division that’s being created is absolutely disgusting.
“Mainly created by angry, middle-aged white men who know exactly what they’re doing.”
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| PAOther names linked to the show include beauty mogul Trinny Woodall (6/1) and fitness entrepreneur Joe Wicks (16/1), who appears in a guest slot this week.
Former Dragons Theo Paphitis (16/1), Duncan Bannatyne (25/1) and Kelly Hoppen (25/1) also remain outside contenders, alongside Lord Sugar and cybersecurity executive Poppy Gustafsson, both at 33/1.
With Davies’ exit leaving a notable gap on the panel, the BBC is expected to announce her replacement in the coming weeks.
For Neville, whose career has spanned football, television and business, joining Dragons’ Den would mark the next stage in a remarkable career so far.