Dragons’ Den viewers were left infuriated by a format change, with some venting that the BBC show had been ‘ruined’ by the development.

The long-running programme gives budding entrepeneurs the chance to pitch their ideas to some of the nation’s most influential businessmen in the hope one or more of them will invest in it.

It turns 20 this year and the format of the popular show has remained largely the same across 21 seasons.

For the brand new run of episodes, stalwarts Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Sara Davies, Steven Bartlett, and Touker Suleyman settled into their seats to hear a wide range of business plans.

But, in last Thursday’s opening instalment, they were joined by Pete Wicks, 39, whose company The Body Coach offers meal and workout plans that can be tailored to different individuals’ goals.

Diehard viewers of Dragons’ Den were less than impressed, however, given that the introduction of a guest investor breaks with the show’s traditions, and took to social media to express their views on the change.

Dragons’ Den fans have been left infuriated by a format change, with some venting that the BBC show had been ‘ruined’ by the development

In last Thursday’s opening instalment, stalwart dragons were joined by Pete Wicks, 39

His company The Body Coach offers meal and workout plans that can be tailored to different individuals’ goals

One took to X to pose the question: ‘Is #dragonsden now a joke!’

Another frustrated fan said: ‘I love this show but why oh why do we have to have these guest dragons and tailored pitches??? I really like Joe Wicks but his presence ruined last night’s episode like other guest dragons have.’ 

A third added: ‘What is up with the BBC that you think every programme has to include a “celebrity”, it’s lazy, annoying & counter productive.’ 

One exasperated viewer posted: ‘Joe Wicks ??….. lost this viewer.’ 

Another user advised: ‘Get these guest Dragons off you will lose viewers.’ 

A sixth flummoxed fan added: ‘Remember when #DragonsDen was a program about pitching a fledgling business to genuine business moguls? Yeah, me too. Sheesh, what a load of X-factor BS Ep1 just was.’

Another said: ‘I love this show but literally nobody asked for celebrity guest Dragons. It’s pointless.’ 

And one viewer added: ‘Joe Wicks presumably there to make all the other male dragons look better.’ 

Die-hard viewers of Dragons’ Den were less than impressed, however, given that the introduction of a guest investor breaks with the show’s traditions, and took to social media to express their views on the change

The fitness guru is not the only guest Dragon to appear on the show this year, with entrepeneur and fashion designer Emma Grede to reprise the guest role she played last season and beauty mogul Trinny Woodall to also join the regular cast.

Last season, footballer Gary Neville showed up in the Den as a one-off, while former stalwart Theo Paphitis returned for episodes in series 17 and 18. 

Read More Dragons’ Den viewers slam Joe Wicks after dismissing pitch by telling them to ‘eat good food’

Wicks became known for his cookbooks and TV appearances directed towards those looking to get fit, before breaking the Guiness World Record for ‘most viewers for a fitness workout live stream on YouTube’ with 950,000 in March 2020.

After his appearance on the BBC show, he said: ‘It was an honour to be asked. I get a lot of joy from helping others and seeing other people succeed so I thought it would be a really wonderful opportunity to back someone and see another person live out their dream.

‘It’s been fun. They have been so nice and supportive, and they told me I was doing a good job which boosted my confidence.

‘We are all getting on really well. I am learning from them and the questions they ask.’

Dragons’ Den is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.