DRAGONS' Den star Hilary Devey has revealed she would consider returning to the BBC show despite saying she was paid "a pittance" for appearing.

The millionaire businesswoman, who is worth an estimated £50 million, spoke of her stint on the show, which sees wealthy entrepreneurs invest in ideas from the general public.

Ms Devey, aged 57, appeared in 12 episodes of the popular show between 2010 and 2011 and was paid £15,000.

The entrepreneur left Bolton School aged 16 and served in the Royal Air Force, before moving to London and making her fortune launching Pall-Ex, a palletised freight network.

In an interview with The Telegraph, she said she was paid a "pittance".

She said: "I can't remember precisely but it's something like £15,000 to do 12 episodes — and each episode means a 14 to 15-hour day.

"It doesn't even cover your expenses. You make your money out of what you invest in."

The show's line up is due to change again with Duncan Bannatyne, Kelly Hoppen and Piers Linney reported to be stepping down after the current series.

She added: "I do still invest in small businesses without the TV platform. The benefit of doing it on Dragons' Den is that you're getting the publicity immediately — which does help an investment.

"If they asked me to go back on Dragons' Den… maybe [I would]. I've now got money to invest and I want to extend my portfolio. But it would depend on who the other Dragons are."