Duncan Bannatyne non binary
Credit: Dragons' Den
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Former Dragons’ Den star to remove non-binary option for those using his gyms

He's previously 'spoken strongly about single-sex changing rooms'

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ByHelen Williams

28th August 2025, 13:46

A year ago, ex Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne took to X to confirm that his gyms featured single-sex changing rooms only. Replying to someone’s enquiry, Duncan made it clear that his facilities are single sex and that his “gym policy aligns with the Equality Act 2010.” Now, he’s taking to social media to confirm something else about his gym, doubling down on his previous stance.

Bannatyne’s single-sex policy

While a lot of gyms and fitness hubs around the world aim to be as inclusive as possible, Duncan explained how his gym, Bannatynes, operates last year. Many places feature mixed changing rooms. But, it was confirmed in 2024 that Duncan’s gyms only have single-sex changing rooms for customers.

By the looks of things, Duncan is responsive on X, and is keen to keep his clientele happy. A year on from making his stance on changing facilities known, he’s now sharing an update about his gym app.

He’s set to remove ‘non-binary’ from gym app

This August, Duncan is taking to X once again after being pulled up by a director of the Women’s Rights Network named Mary Howden. She wrote: “@DuncanBannatyne can you answer why Bannatynes new app asks for gender rather than sex and has three options you can choose from male, female and non binary? As you know and have supported sex differences matter in fitness.”

Duncan thanked her for “pointing out” the app options, and added: “The non-binary option will be removed asap.” Per The Daily Mail, the Dragons’ Den alum has spoken strongly about his stance on “allowing men into women’s changing rooms” in the past.

“…The businessman said no one should ever allow men into women’s changing rooms amid the fallout from the Supreme Court’s ruling on the definition of a woman.” He posted on X at the time, writing: “I hope all gym owners will join me now in agreeing that single sex spaces for women means biological women… No gym should ever allow men into women’s changing rooms.”

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