AND so the den has been opened for business.

Yes the dragons are back sitting next to their collective wads, terrorising the inept and looking to make a profit.

Dragons' Den has become one of the key elements of the BBC2 schedules - and it's easy to see why.

It's a cross between the X-Factor auditions and The Apprentice in which hapless members of the public who believe they are better than they are try to get funding for some some hare-brained scheme or other.

This time round, the urbane Richard Farleigh has been replaced - probably because he used to back more businesses than anyone else. I suspect he was thought of as too nice.

In his place is James Caan - I was confused too, why would a Hollywood actor want to be involved? But then it's an idea which might work. What next? Robert de Niro as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing?

But this James Caan, it appears, is an entrepreneur' (aren't they all?) and he looks like he's been brought in to be Mr Nasty (as if one was needed).

I could do without all the recapping and Evan Davis constantly reminding us what the rules of the Den are - I think we all know now that would-be tycoons must get all the money they have asked for.

But it is still cringeworthy, fascinating stuff. Roll on next Monday!