Dragons' Den Viewers Puzzled by Sara Davies' Absence as New Series Begins
Dragons' Den fans were left asking the same question moments into the launch of the show's latest series tonight, as one familiar face was notably missing from the panel. The BBC's flagship entrepreneurial programme returned with regular Dragons Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman and Steven Bartlett, but without Sara Davies, sparking immediate viewer reaction across social media platforms.
Sara Davies' Decision to Step Back from the Den
Last year, Strictly Come Dancing star Sara Davies announced she would be temporarily stepping down from Dragons' Den to concentrate on her own business ventures. Davies originally joined the programme in 2019, bringing her expertise as founder of Crafter's Companion to the investment panel. In an Instagram post at the time, she explained her decision, stating she needed to focus fully on her primary business commitments.
"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," Davies wrote. "And when I commit to a business, I really commit, which is why I find Dragons' Den such a rewarding role."
She emphasised that being a Dragon requires substantial dedication beyond filming, involving ongoing involvement with the businesses she invests in. Davies clarified that her departure was temporary, leaving the door open for a potential future return to the Den.
Viewer Reaction to Davies' Absence
The absence of Sara Davies was immediately noticeable to loyal viewers, with many taking to social media to express their surprise and disappointment. Within moments of the episode beginning, comments flooded in questioning her whereabouts.
One viewer wrote: "Where's Sara??" while another commented: "What do you mean Sara Davies has left??" Several fans expressed particular affection for Davies, with one stating: "Where has Sara Davies gone. She was my favourite dragon."
Other viewers noted how quickly they missed her presence, with one remarking: "It's been 30 seconds, I miss Sara Davies already." Another simply stated: "No Sara missing her already," highlighting the strong connection Davies had established with the audience during her tenure on the show.
New Guest Dragons Join the 2026 Series
The 2026 series of Dragons' Den features an exciting lineup of guest Dragons, including musician Tinie Tempah, entrepreneur Jenna Meek, beauty brand founder Susie Ma, and former footballer Gary Neville. Jenna Meek, CEO of REFY, appeared in the first episode and shared her enthusiasm about joining the panel.
"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," Meek revealed. "So to be here as a Dragon is surreal."
Meek explained her investment philosophy, stating she's "less focused on specific sectors and more drawn to founders who are genuinely reshaping their industries." She expressed particular excitement about entrepreneurs who innovate and challenge established norms within their fields.
The new Dragon described herself as "quite a funny Dragon" who found herself "sticking up for the entrepreneurs and even telling the other Dragons off a few times." Meek's empathy stems from her own entrepreneurial journey, having been in similar positions to the pitchers just eight years earlier.
"I was empathetic towards the entrepreneurs and much more competitive with my fellow Dragons," she explained. "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 continues to air on Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer, offering viewers the chance to see both established Dragons and new faces evaluate innovative business pitches from aspiring entrepreneurs across the United Kingdom.
