Dragon's Den star Hilary Devey has died at the age of 65, it was confirmed earlier today by the entrepreneur's agent that Hilary died in Morocco after battling a long illness.
Hilary had been staying at her holiday home there when she passed away on Saturday night.
A spokesperson said: "I can confirm that Hilary sadly died yesterday. She had been ill for some time."
Hilary shot to fame on popular BBC business show Dragon's Den where the Bolton born businesswoman's no-nonsense approach quickly became a hit with fans.
The late TV personality also featured on the Secret Millionaire in 2008 and presented The Business Inspector in 2010.
Tributes have flooded in for the late TV presenter, from fellow Dragons, celebrities and longtime fans of her TV appearances.
Fellow dragon Theo Paphitis took to Twitter, writing: "So sad to hear of the passing of the lovely Hilary Devey.
"She left us all with some fantastic memories, may she rest in peace. My thoughts are with her family. x"
Duncan Bannatyne shared a tribute to Hilary, writing: "Sad to hear that @HilaryDevey has passed. So young. Too young. Rest in Peace Hilary. X"
Ex Dragon Kelly Hoppen, who was not on the show at the same time as Hilary, said she couldn't "believe the news", adding on Twitter: "#HilaryDevey a true inspiration for all women in business and real powerhouse. Thoughts and prayers to her family."
Dragons' Den presenter Evan Davis said on Twitter: “So sorry to hear of Hilary Devey’s passing.
“I didn’t know her well, but she really brought a wonderful grit to the Den; it was quite different to anything we’d encountered and audiences loved it. She’ll be long remembered.”
Kate Phillips, director of BBC unscripted content, spoke about the businesswoman's arrival on the show, saying : “She was formidable, fiery and completely unforgettable.
“A tough-talking Dragon who never minced her words, she also always saw the person behind the product, and was such an encouraging mentor and investor to so many entrepreneurs.
“A hugely successful businesswoman and television expert, she will be missed by all who knew her and benefited from her wise words and experience.”
Hannah Wyatt, managing director of factual entertainment and events at BBC Studios, said: “Hilary Devey will always hold a unique place in the hearts of Dragons’ Den viewers and the programme team.
“We are all extremely saddened by her loss and our thoughts at this time are with her family and friends.”
Kavita Oberoi shared a news article announcing Hilary's passing and wrote: "So sad to read this, my lovely dear friend. She had the kindest [heart] When my family visited Morocco we spent a couple of days with at her home [sad face]."
Musical director Vikki Stone said: "Sad to read the news that Hilary Devey has died.
"We became friends after I did a comedy sketch about her, and she invited me to stay at her house in Morocco a number of times.
"She had a great sense of humour and knew how to threw a great party! You will be missed. #RIPHilaryDevey"
Mentee Blake Weber wrote: "Sad to hear the passing of @HilaryDevey. An exceptional businesswomen, and a mentor to many - including myself.
"When I founded my business in 2015, she reached out to me with great interest and we remained in contact.
"My thoughts are with her son, Mevlit, and her whole family."
Adrian Hilton penned: "Of all the dragons who have appeared on #DragonsDen over the years, I loved #HilaryDevey especially.
There was something gloriously Cruella de Vil about her business acumen, and yet her compassion and charitable work was immense. Thank you, Hilary. RIP"
Actor Neil Grainger wrote: "Very sad to hear about the passing of Hilary Devey. Yes, she was a character on screen but a fiercely intelligent business woman off it.
"It’s been a pleasure to host the @PallExUK awards for the last 5 years and I’m sending thoughts to all at Pall-Ex who knew and worked with her."
2015 Apprentice winner Joseph Valente wrote: "R.I.P Hilary Devey you were great to watch on Dragons Den when I was a younger man aspiring to get into business.
"Never took any nonsense which I admire."
Singer Jack Remmington tweeted: "RIP to the icon #HilaryDevey, what a woman [heart emoji]."
Sunday Times Bestselling author Melanie Blake wrote: "Sad to hear of the passing of #HilaryDevey - anyone who remembers the ‘real her’ the one we all got to see on ‘the secret millionaire’ before TV bosses shaped her into a caricature will remember what a kind & caring woman she was.
"She had a hard life but made it regardless. RIP."
One fan said: "My favourite ever Dragon! Loved her! RIP #HilaryDevey. There's a shoulderpad wardrobe awaiting you in heaven!"
Another wrote: "So sad to hear the passing of Hilary Devey CBE. Such a breathe or fresh air to Dragons Den. RIP."
