Sara Davies announced she was stepping back from Dragons’ Den earlier this year in a bid to focus on her own business
Matt Jackson Trendswatch Content Editor
19:00, 02 Oct 2025
Sara Davies announced she is stepping back from Dragons’ Den(Image: ITV)
Entrepreneur Sara Davies has disclosed that BBC executives made a three-word request following her announcement that she would be stepping away from Dragon’s Den. March saw the revelation that Sara would dedicate this year to concentrating on her own business.
She made history as the youngest female Dragon upon joining the programme in 2019. However, she explained that she required time to “focus” on Crafter’s Companion, the company she established in 2005.
She will nonetheless continue appearing in Dragon’s Den as the current series had already been recorded. The BBC has yet to confirm Sara’s replacement should she choose not to return to the programme, though Gary Neville, Joe Wicks and Trinny Woodall are amongst those who have temporarily filled in.
Speaking on the Wake Up with Chris Donnelley podcast, Sara, 41, has disclosed what BBC executives told her after she confirmed her departure from the popular show.
She revealed: “The BBC are like, ‘Please don’t go, please don’t go’, but I’ve said, ‘Look, the business really needs me at the moment. This time next year it might be different, I might be in a position to give it a bit more of my time, but right now I just need to focus on my business and I’ve over-committed myself’.”
Sara became the youngest female Dragon in 2019(Image: BBC)
Sara’s departure statement, published on social media, maintained the possibility of her eventual return to the programme. She notes that supporters have been enquiring about potential candidates should the BBC need to select a new dragon.
She went on: “I think it’s really important that they have a good female representation. You can’t just have one woman on there, you need plenty of representation. It’s not even the northern voice, someone called me in the first season, ‘The Dragon of the people’.”
Revealing her exit in March, Sara explained: “As this last run of Dragons’ comes to an end I have to say I’ve loved every minute of this series so far and I’m so proud of the businesses I’ve invested in this year!”
Sara will continue to feature in this series of Dragons’ Den(Image: BBC)
“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.
“As well as filming an incredible show, being a Dragon requires so much dedication and time behind the scenes as you join the life of each business you invest in.
“It means seeing through your investment and committing to your part in that organisation. It’s so much more than a TV show.
Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies(Image: BBC)
“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 will feature on Dragon’s Den from 8pm on BBC One tonight. She will appear alongside fellow Dragons Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Steven Bartlett and Touker Suleyman.
