Ex Dragons' Den star Hilary Devey was instantly recognisable on the screen due to her trademark shoulder pads, no nonsense attitude and dramatic fringe, under which she inspected hopeful and nervous candidates.
The death of the businesswoman who is also known for her appearances on The Secret Millionaire, Loose Women and The Business Inspector, was announced today, prompting tributes from her fellow dragons Theo Paphitis and Duncan Bannatyne.
Although she only appeared on Dragons' Den for a year, in 2012, Hilary, who died aged 65, was a well-known face on TV thanks to appearances on many other shows, and we have taken a look at some of her best moments on the box.
'I am not amused, I am angry'
Hilary gave entrepreneur Alan a dressing down when he came to the dragons hoping to secure an investment in his "mind coaching and massage service" business, called Miruji Health and Wellbeing.
Alan claimed the company had the "potential to solve the obesity epidemic", through people sitting on massage chairs and being coached through headphones.
Hilary asked Alan how long his members attend the service per week, which he couldn't answer, incurring her wrath.
She said: "Well how ridiculous of you to come and stand here and pitch to investors when you haven't got that information, because my God man it's your job to have that information.
"I still haven't got a clue how your turnover is broken down, the state of your balance sheet at the moment. Your talking to potential investors into your business, it was your job to come on here and make us aware.
Fuming, Hilary went on: "Forget the Miruji experience, we are on planet Earth in Dragons' Den."
She finished by saying: "I am not amused, I am angry, I'm out."
'You're doing okay, carry on'
Hilary showed her compassionate side on Dragons' Den when she reassured a nervous entrepreneur, who fluffed her presentation.
Georgia appeared on the show to pitch her website where lists could be made for children's birthday presents.
However after an initially strong start, she forgot her words and had to pause, creating an awkward silence.
Hilary took pity on Georgia and said: "You're doing okay, carry on, you're doing okay."
Later, Hilary said: "I believe in the concept because for God's sake I was a single parents and believe me it was hard work chasing round at the eleventh hour, fifty-ninth minute trying to get presents to send to a birthday party."
Generosity on The Secret Millionaire
In 2008, Hilary appeared on Channel 4's The Secret Millionaire, which saw the rich explore the lives of ordinary people, and get to know those around them, without revealing their wealth.
Hilary visited an estate in Rochdale, near where she grew up in neighbouring Bolton.
As well as a local hospice, she helped at a community centre which supported the unemployed, the elderly and young mums, but was at risk of closure.
After ten days, it was time for Hilary to reveal who she was and hand over money for the community.
Speaking to The Mirror, she said: “It was such a relief,” she says. "I’d hated lying.
“I said to Sheila ‘I’ve been telling you a few porkie pies – I’m not who you think I am.
“I’ve got a big business and I’ve got something I want to give you.’
“I handed her the cheque and I felt I could see her visibly ‘de-age’ about 20 years as the stress was taken away.
“We hugged and cried. It was very emotional.”
'You have left Duncan off the list'
After leaving Dragons' Den, Hilary appeared on Loose Women chatted about her time on the show.
"When I went in I would always have been the new girl and they have all been there 10 to 11 years and I was constantly reminded of that every day," she said.
She went on: "I love the dragons I work with, Theo's great, Deborah is great, Peter is such a gentleman, and I loved it."
Panellist Janet Street-Porter then interrupted: "You have left Duncan off the list," with laughter following from the audience and fellow panellists.
Smiling, Hilary said: "I think Duncan is well appreciative of what I feel," with claps and laughter from all around.
Contestant reveals their tragic past
Hilary bonded with a Dragons' Den hopeful after she revealed her heart-breaking past.
Dupsy was seeking investment from the team for her platform which connected companies with interns, with Hilary then asking if she still practices law, to which Dupsy responded no and then explained her reasons.
"My father was a very successful entrepreneur and philanthropist in Africa and he was very passionate about democracy and at the time in Nigeria there was a military dictatorship and he fought against that," Dupsy explained.
"He was detained when I was 12 and my family were terrorised, they shut down one of his businesses, we lost effectively everything."
She went on: "When I was 16 we thought they would release him and they wouldn't hurt him, but he died."
Clearly touched by her story, Hilary said: "I knew something had happened when you were younger because something has driven you hasn't it.
Hilary went on: "I am really impressed with you and I think you will go far and fast."
