Hilary Devey dead: Dragons’ Den star dies at 65 after battling long illness

Hilary Devey died in Morocco on following a battle with ill heath, her agent confirmed today

Dragons' Den star Hilary Devey has died at the age of 65.

The entrepreneur's agent confirmed that Hilary died in Morocco after battling a long illness.

Hilary had been staying at her holiday home 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 with he appearance on The Secret Millionaire in 2008 and later presented The Business Inspector in 2010.

Her big break came on BBC business show Dragons' Den where the Bolton native's no-nonsense approach became a hit with fans.

Hilary Devey, second left, pictured with he fellow Dragons Duncan Bannatyne, Theo Paphitis, Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones

Theo Paphitis was the first of the Dragons to pay tribute to Hilary when the sad news was announced on Sunday.

The retail mogul tweeted: "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."

Hilary stayed with the show just one year after leaving when she acquired a contract to join the Loose Women panel in 2015.

Her fame was far from an overnight success.

After leaving school at the age of 16, Hilary took on a wide range of jobs - including a stint in the Women's RAF - before finally seeking her fortune when she set up her own business.

The enterprising star decided to sell her house and her car to launch business Pall-Ex which went on to be worth millions.

Hilary sold her most prized possessions to launch her own business - and made her first million at the age of 40

Image:

( BBC/Andy Farrington)

Hilary had been inspired to set up the freight network while working as an office clerk for a delivery firm.

One day Hilary overheard one of the drivers complain that he would have to wait till morning to fill his lorry with enough cargo to make it worth driving to his destination.

Despite being struck with a 'lightbulb moment', Hilary's initial application for a bank loan was turned down.

She had to sell most of her possessions to raise funds to kick-start her business but the reward came at the age of 40 when she made her first million.

Hilary's personal life proved just as turbulent.

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