DRAGONS’ Den newcomer Steven Bartlett has revealed that he is often at war with his fellow Dragons – but admitted they have a special pact to smooth things over.
The Botswana-born businessman replaced Tej Lalvani for the 19th season of the show – and he’s certainly made a name for himself since his introduction.
Ahead of the BAFTA Television Awards on Sunday night, Steven was asked if he plans to be a long-term Dragon.
He told The Celeb Report: “I don’t know, the BBC might get sick of me. I might feel like my time is up, so who knows? Right now I’m enjoying it.
“Especially as in the first series, you’re a bit on edge learning the rules, but coming back for a second year I can relax and enjoy it.”
The 29-year-old added how he is often at “war” with his fellow Dragons – but explained that the foursome have a special pact to cool things down after filming.
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He added: “In the den we’re competitive, we go to war, you can feel the tension sometimes in the room.
“But outside the den we’re wonderful friends and we go out for dinner every single night. We get on like a house on fire. They’ve given me so much.
“The mentorship that they gave me even before I started – taking me to dinner, showing me the ropes – I didn’t expect that.”
Steven has certainly made himself at home alongside his fellow Dragons and has been at the forefront of some of hot deals in the den.
As of late, however, the social media entrepreneur has been slammed by fans of the show, more recently for using an “unfair tactic” during a pitch.
Steven was called out when he gave guest David Hellard a ten second time limit to accept or decline his offer.
He told the caffeine chew entrepreneur: “I would do that with Peter at 25 per cent, but you have to give me your answer within ten seconds.”
An unimpressed Sara Davies said: “You little so-and-so! That’s the sort of stuff I expect from Jones, not you!”
BBC viewers were left fuming at Steven’s “arrogance” and almost immediately took to Twitter to air their disgust.
Alongside an array of angry faced emojis, one viewer vented: “Steven annoys me so much. That’s so unfair to expect someone to make a life-changing decision on the spot.”
