Dragons’ Den viewers were left wondering the same thing moments into tonight’s show as one star was replaced
Dragons’ Den viewers were left asking the same question as the series returned (Image: BBC Studios)
Dragons’ Den viewers have been left asking the same question moments into tonight’s new series.
The BBC entrepreneurial programme returned with Dragons Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman and Steven Bartlett, but there was one star missing.
Last year, Strictly Come Dancing’s Sara Davies announced she would be stepping down from the show.
She had originally joined the programme in 2019, but said she wanted to focus on her own businesses, leaving the door open for a possible future return.
She shared in a post on Instagram at the time: “Little update from me….. 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!
Dragons’ Den returned tonight without Sara Davies (Image: BBC/Simon Pantling)
“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.
“That’s why I’ve 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 Davies announced she was stepping back from Dragons’ Den last year (Image: BBC)
She concluded: “Sending so much love to my fellow Dragons and the amazing team behind it all. In the meantime, you can still catch me in the second half of this series of Dragons’ Den later in the year – it will not disappoint!”
Sara’s absence from the show has certainly been felt by viewers, as several questioned why she wasn’t in the Den.
One wrote: “Where’s Sara??” as another said: “What do you mean Sara Davies has left??”
Another said: “Where has Sara Davies gone. She was my favourite dragon.”
Someone else wrote: “No Sara missing her already.”
Jenna Meek appeared on Dragons’ Den tonight (Image: BBC)
“Dragons Den is back. Yay Where’s Sara though?” another wrote, as someone else said: “It’s been 30 seconds, I miss Sara Davies already.”
The 2026 series will be hosting a new set of guest Dragons, including Tinie Tempah, Jenna Meek, Susie Ma and Gary Neville.
Serial entrepreneur and REFY CEO Jenna joined in the first episode, having previously said: “When I was little, I always used to watch Dragons’ Den with my dad and always aspired to be on the show as an entrepreneur, so to be here as a Dragon is surreal.
“When it comes to the types of businesses I’m interested in, I’m less focused on specific sectors and more drawn to founders who are genuinely reshaping their industries. I love seeing entrepreneurs innovating, challenging norms, and reshaping within their space – that really excites and inspires me!”
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She continued: “I think I’m quite a funny Dragon! I definitely found myself sticking up for the entrepreneurs and even telling the other Dragons off a few times. I really resonated with the people standing in front of us because I was in their position almost eight years ago.
“I was empathetic towards the entrepreneurs and much more competitive with my fellow Dragons. I was still very much a Dragon, just maybe a tougher one on the panel than on the entrepreneurs! It surprised me how protective I felt over them, but it felt very true to who I am.”
Dragons’ Den airs Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.