Dragons’ Den is now short of one entrepreneur after Sara Davies made her last appearance in the series 22 finale – but she left with more of a whimper than a roar.
The County Durham-born multi-millionaire, 41, appeared in this week’s episode and considered pitches for inclusive dance wear, and an accessibility-focused app.
And although her final stint as a Dragon was not flagged within the show, her fellow Den-mate Deborah Meaden made sure she paid tribute to her departing colleague.
And Sara’s fans were pretty cut up about her leaving, too.
Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden paid tribute to Sara Davies
Before the final episode of series 22 went out on BBC One, Sara Davies’ co-star Deborah Meaden sent a message on X.
She wrote: “Last of this series of @BBCOne #dragonsden and @SaraDaviesCC last. Sara has been a magnificent Dragon and we will miss her. Are you joining me in watching?”
Of course, millions did join in – as they do every week.
Sara and Deborah have appeared on Dragons’ Den together for six years. Sara joined in 2019, whereas veteran Deborah joined the cast in 2006.
It’s not much of a surprise that they became friends, being the only women on the panel.
Fans ‘saddened’ to see ‘their favourite Dragon go’
Viewers were also sad to see Sara Davies leave the show.
One fan wrote: “I have loved watching you on the show. Very sad you are leaving. I have learned a lot from you and know that whoever works with you, are very fortunate.”
Another said: “Awww so sad to hear this. You’re my favourite! Good luck in your next adventure, it’s been great to watch you on the show.”
A third added: “Good luck Sara. Will miss you being a Dragon in the Den.”
One viewer joked that Sara had “kept Touks in his place!”, and another said: “Aww what a shame.”
Why is Sara Davies leaving the BBC show?
Sadly, Sara Davies announced she was leaving Dragons’ Den after six years. She will be “stepping away” from filming to focus on her own business.
In a statement posted on Instagram, she said she had “taken the decision to step away from the Den for now, to focus on my own business”. Of course, that might mean she’ll be back in the future. Sara is the founder of Crafters Companion, a crafting company she launched in 2005.
In her post, Sara said: “As a lot of you will know, I’ve taken up my position again as CEO of Crafter’s Companion and my business is my big priority this year. And when I commit to a business, I really commit, which is why I find Dragons’ Den such a rewarding role.”
She added: “It means seeing through your investment and committing to your part in that organisation. It’s so much more than a TV show.
“That’s why taken the decision to step away from the Den for now, to focus on my own business, which was my first baby! So I won’t be filming with the team this year for the next series.”
Sara’s fans will know that Sara became the youngest ever female Dragon when she joined the series aged 35 in 2019. She is now 41.
What is Sara Davies doing after Dragons’ Den?
As well as working as CEO of Crafter’s Companion, Sara will continue to be on our TV screens.
She will soon appear in ITV’s The Box. The entertainment show stars 10 celebrities from the worlds of entertainment, music, sport, and politics. Sara Davies will appear alongside Graeme Souness, Ellie Taylor, John Bercow, Shakira Khan, JB Gill, Ranvir Singh, Jenny Ryan, Danny Aarons and Joey Essex.
Hosted by Gary Lineker, The Box “plunges 10 celebrity contestants into the unknown”. The series will be filmed in the UK later this year and will air on ITV in 2026.
How much has Sara Davies invested?
Sara Davies has pledged to invest a total of over £2.3m in the Den.
Her investments have included:
Willsow (S18, plantable children’s books)
Mini First Aid (S18, child and baby first aid franchise)
Psychic Sisters (S20, spiritual wellness brand)
Sibstar (S21, bank card for people with dementia)
Scoff Paper (S21, edible greetings cards for dogs)
Skin (S21, beauty & skincare price comparison app)
Who is replacing Sara Davies on Dragons’ Den?
BBC One has now confirmed that Dragons’ Den will return in 2026 with a series 23. And there’ll be a new set of guest Dragons, too.
Gary Neville will return for another stint in the Den, alongside brand new guest Dragons Tinie Tempah, Jenna Meek, and Susie Ma.
Tinie Tempah is described as a “music mogul, rapper and entrepreneur”, while Jenna Meek is a “serial entrepreneur and REFY CEO”. Lastly, Susie Ma is the “Tropic Skincare powerhouse”.
Every episode of Dragons’ Den series 23 will feature one of the four sitting alongside the resident Dragons. Heavyweights Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman and Steven Bartlett will all return to the Den. Sara Davies’ replacement has not yet been confirmed, or perhaps her spot will be left free for guest Dragons.
Karren Brady was previously floated as Sara’s replacement.
Read more: Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones shares ‘pain’ of losing his dad during emotional episode
