A Dragons’ Den entrepreneur has announced they are stepping away from the BBC programme after six years.

Sara Davies announced that she is stepping away from Dragons’ Den (Image: BBC)

Sara Davies has announced she is “stepping away” from Dragons’ Den for the time being. The entrepreneur, 40, has been a core part of the BBC programme since 2019, becoming the youngest ever female Dragon when she replaced Jenny Campbell. Taking to Instagram shortly after Thursday’s (March 6) episode aired, Sara shared an update about her future on the show with her followers.

She began: “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! 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.”

Sara is taking a break from the series to focus on her own business (Image: BBC)

Sara explained how much time and dedication goes into filming the show, which is why she is taking a break to focus on her own business.

The star said: “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.”

The businesswoman added: “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!”

The post was flooded with supportive messages from her friends and followers, with guest Dragon Joe Wicks writing: “Thank you so much for making me feel so welcome in the den. You’re wonderful. Good luck smashing it with the business moving forward.”

Sara became the youngest ever female Dragon when she joined in 2019 (Image: BBC)Another wrote: “My favourite Dragon, you are the reason I started watching. You will be missed and hope you will be back. Carry on nurturing your business.”

A third echoed: “The den won’t be the same without you. I hope you will be back.”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment commissioning at the BBC, said: “Sara has been an exceptional Dragon, investing in numerous entrepreneurs over her years in the Den. We wish her all the best and hope to have her back in future series.”

The Strictly Come Dancing star founded the global company Crafter’s Companion, a retail business which specialises in craft tools, while she was a student at York University in 2005.

Initially it sold just one envelope-making product but has grown over the decades to become one of the biggest businesses of its kind. It sells crafting tools and supplies across the UK, Europe and the US through its website and has retail stores in Newton Aycliffe, Chesterfield and Evesham.