Tributes have poured in for the Bolton -born TV personality, Hilary Devey, after news of her death was announced on Sunday (June 12). She died in Morocco after battling a long illness and had been staying at her holiday home when she passed away.
Hilary shot to fame on BBC business show Dragons' Den where the Boltonian’s no-nonsense approach became a hit with fans. She also featured on the Secret Millionaire in 2008, giving money to a Rochdale music project, and presented The Business Inspector in 2010.
After leaving school at the age of 16, Hilary took on a wild range of jobs - including a stint in the Women's RAF - before finally seeking her fortune. The enterprising star eventually sold her house and her car to set up her business Pall-Ex which went on to be worth millions.
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Social media has been inundated with touching messages from fans. Deborah Meaden shared: “Very sad to learn that Hilary Devey has passed away at only 65. She was unique in every way and brought grit and warmth with her into the Den. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones. RIP Hilary. Truly one of a kind.”
Local fan Oliver Findlay replied to the fellow Dragon: “Hilary Devey was fantastic, if anybody asks 'what are mums like in Bolton' Hilary Devey is the answer. Down to earth, took no c**p and a heart of gold. She will be missed.”
Social media user Sian Thymes reminisced about one of Hilary’s iconic lines, after she reprimanded a Dragons' Den contestant.
“Hilary Devey was such a breath of fresh air when she came on Dragons' Den,” reads the tweet in tribute. “I was obsessed when she gave this guy a dressing down. To this day I still think about ‘you would make my foot itch mate’.
Coronation Street writer Jonathan Harvey shared how he would often feature Hilary in the soap, saying: “So sorry to hear that Hilary Devey has died. Loved her on Dragons' Den. What a woman. I’d often drop her name in Corrie as shorthand for business brilliance. RIP Hilary x”.
Popular author Melanie Blake added: "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 and caring woman she was. She had a hard life but made it regardless. RIP.
"I don’t use the word ‘caricature’ lightly or insultingly, met her several times when she worked on Loose Women and we chatted about how there’s only so many places for ‘older women’ on tv - and she accepted her role was to be ‘the tough’ one - but in real life she was very different."
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