Movies

Dragons’ Den has lost its spice, says Levi Roots

BBG News

Levi Roots achieved something that seemed more like a fantasy from an unrealistic Hollywood screenplay – his first television appearance catapulted him to a staggering £30 million wealth.

However, despite being hailed as the most brilliant achievement from Shark Tank (equivalent to Dragons’ Den), Roots is concerned that its peak success might have passed – due to his assertion that it has lost its edge.

In the year 2007, a relatively unrecognized company called Roots made their first appearance before a panel of wealthy businessmen, led by Peter Jones, who are all successful entrepreneurs.

According to Roots, after that initial experience on TV where he requested £50,000 from the Dragons in exchange for 20% of his Reggae Reggae Sauce company and shocked his family by entering with a guitar, the dragons seemed more powerful.

Despite the warnings from his family about the potential risks, he decided to take part in “The X Factor,” believing that his ability to challenge conventions and stay true to himself would ultimately impress the judges (Dragons).

Initially, he was correct as Jones and Richard Farleigh (also Dragon) managed to secure a £50,000 investment, though it was for a 40% share instead of the 20% he proposed earlier. Now, he seems less confident that this outcome will repeat itself. Roots, aged 66, expressed this sentiment during the premiere of Nikita Kuzmin’s Midnight Dancer at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, stating, “It’s become a bit simpler.

As a dedicated admirer, let me express my thoughts: Back in my time, authenticity was all that mattered, and the joy was palpable. I can’t help but feel that the essence of what once was has faded, leaving behind something less vibrant. I long for those days when being yourself was enough to ignite a spark of fun that seems lost today.

‘The Dragons had a bit more punch to them. They’re a little bit tame now – apart from Peter.’

Lately, the program has featured special guests who are Dragons – for example, fitness expert Joe Wicks and beauty magnate Trinny Woodall.

 

The actors Samuel West, known for All Creatures Great and Small, and his partner Laura Wade experienced a fraudulent scheme on the messaging platform, Telegram.

According to a statement made by the actor (age 58), an individual impersonating him and allegedly identifying as Laura Wade’s husband has been attempting to solicit funds from her via Telegram, stating that he needs the money for his ill daughter.

‘Needless to say, this is a scam – and Laura and I aren’t married.’ 

 

Gourmet Joanne’s got the Abbey habit

Downton Abbey is set to come back to theaters in September, and Joanne Froggatt, the actress who portrays lady’s maid Anna Bates, can hardly wait!

The actress, aged 44, shares with the Travel Secrets podcast that while the on-set food is often excellent, it’s not always a consistent luxury.

‘I’ve found the most delicious food during my workdays Down Under. The catering there rivals that of a high-end restaurant, and everyone gathers for meals. Contrastingly, in the UK, actors retreat to their trailers; in Australia, lunchtime is an occasion.’

 

Golden girl still dressed by her Mum!

When it comes to her sparkling stage outfits, Nadiya Bychkova keeps things strictly in the family.

At the Spring Ball charity event held at the London Cabaret Club in Bloomsbury Square, the Strictly Come Dancing professional donned a gold gown created by her mother, Larisa, while she danced.

‘My Mum makes all my dresses for the performances,’ Nadiya tells me. 

In preparation for her upcoming event, “A Special Evening With Nadiya Bychkova,” the dancer, aged 35, remarks, “I’ve been doing this since I was just a young girl.

 

David Mason, brave fighter and writer, RIP

1993 saw him becoming a headline-grabber when he secured a significant pre-publication sum of approximately £1 million for his first thriller, titled Shadow Over Babylon.

However, David Mason, who recently passed away at the age of 73, was particularly respected in military communities due to his courage and overpowering physical prowess.

1973 found him serving under the Sultan of Oman’s military forces. During that time, he participated in uninterrupted combat for three hours, ultimately rescuing a group of twelve comrades. Running out of ammunition, he seized an AK-47 from an aggressor and used it against him instead.

In Berlin, he encountered an officer from the Welsh Guards who had overindulged in the hospitality offered by another unit. A bystander remembers, “Just one punch was thrown.

“Gave him a powerful blow that left him unconscious, picked him up, expressed his apologies, handed him a wad of money, and then escorted him out.”

This version maintains the original sequence of events while using more natural and easy-to-read language. It’s important to note that the tone may vary depending on the context and the intention behind the actions described in the sentence.

 

On a weekday in London’s Covent Garden, Romeo Beckham, son of David and Victoria Beckham, was present at The Top Secret Comedy Club.

In a straightforward and conversational manner: Romeo, aged 22, found it effortless to gain entry, however, the club proprietor, Mark Rothman, has prohibited individuals who have undergone Botox treatments. This is due to the fact that performers at the club were frequently encountering expressionless or unresponsive faces from their audience.

 

A Pinteresque point, Richard

At the Royal Television Society awards, Richard Curtis, known for his work on Blackadder, playfully criticized the “luvvies” as he handed out a unique award to James Corden and Ruth Jones, the minds behind Gavin & Stacey.

Curtis, aged 68, expressed that it’s easy for many of us to overlook the importance of our fundamental role, which is bringing joy and excitement to others.

Oh boy, I simply can’t get enough of TV! It seems like even the shows that don’t get much attention still manage to amuse a multitude greater than those who’ve ever experienced the intricate plots and profound dialogues penned by the legendary Harold Pinter.

Cue a sharp intake of breath… after a suitably Pinteresque pause.

 

Author Letts looks on the bright side 

As an ardent admirer, I found myself shoulder-to-shoulder with esteemed figures like Lords Lamont and Lilley, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, and Jonathan Aitken, all gathered at the hallowed grounds of St Matthew’s, Westminster. The occasion? A jubilant soiree to commemorate the publication of my revered colleague, Quentin Letts’s second novel titled, Nunc! What an unforgettable evening it was!

He mentioned that the work, titled Nunc!, inspired by his deceased siblings Penny and Alexander, carries an element reminiscent of Asterix The Gaul and a hint of The Life Of Brian within it.

The author was taken aback by an unexpected revelation – the claim on the book jacket stating that he resides in Hertfordshire, rather than Herefordshire, where he had lived for a considerable period of time.

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2025-03-28 03:04

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