Sara Davies

BBC Dragons’ Dens star confirms ‘exciting’ twist that has ‘never been done before’

Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies recently announced that she will be stepping away from the BBC show

Dragons’ Den favourite Sara Davies has dropped hints about an “exciting” twist that’s never been witnessed before as she prepares for her departure.

The businesswoman, 40, first entered the Den in 2019 and during her time she has helped a range of entrepreneurs with her expertise.

The TV personality has now revealed she’ll be ‘stepping back’ from the BBC programme to concentrate on her own enterprise.

Before her poignant farewell, Sara graced Tuesday’s (October 14) instalment of BBC The One Show with presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp.

Roman was eager to discover more about her final series as he hinted at a ‘remarkable’ scene that’s still to be broadcast, reports the Express.

The television host continued: “There is a very special moment this week as part of Dragons’ Den history. What can you tell us because I know you can’t say much.”

Sara began by revealing: “I don’t want to give too much away but there was a moment that happened in filming last year, which is what you will see this Thursday on Dragons’ Den between Steven (Bartlett) and I.”

The personality hinted: “We do something that has never ever happened in the Den before and as a result of that something pretty exciting happens and let me just tell you it’s a pretty good business. You’ll love it.”

Dragons’ Den viewers will witness the extraordinary moment unfold on Thursday’s (October 16) show and judging by Sara’s teaser, it’ll be utterly unforgettable. This follows Sara’s confirmation in an Instagram statement that she had “taken the decision to step away from the Den for now, to focus on my own business” – a crafting enterprise she established in 2005.

She will continue to feature in the latter half of the current series and judging by her statement’s phrasing, there remains potential for her comeback down the line.

The BBC is yet to reveal her replacement.

In her social media post, Sarah declared: “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.

“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 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 One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer and Dragons’ Den is available to watch on BBC iPlayer

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We were on Dragons’ Den but stars ‘MISLED’ us – but we’ve had the last laugh as business is worth over £3m

A DRAGONS’ Den contestant has revealed how his experience on the hit BBC show didn’t go as expected – but he’s had the last laugh after his business soared past £3m in value.

Entrepreneur Omar Mian appeared on the show in 2022, bringing his business Potion Paris to the Den alongside his partners Astyn and Suzanne.

Three contestants on Dragons' Den.

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Entrepreneur Omar Mian has spoken out about how his experience on Dragon’s Den was not what he expectedCredit: BBC
Several perfume sets displayed on stands, including rose gold and silver pendants.

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Omar presented Potion Paris perfumes to the Dragons alongside his business partnersCredit: BBC
Three Dragons' Den investors reviewing a product presentation.

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The business moguls were impressed by the productCredit: BBC
Three Dragons' Den judges.

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But Omar has admitted to feeling ‘misled’ by their dealCredit: BBC

The trio were hoping to secure a £50,000 investment for just 6 percent equity in their award-winning toxin-free fragrance brand.

The Dragons were blown away by the concept, and this led to a bidding war between the investors.

In the end, Peter Jones and Steven Bartlett joined forces to offer a joint deal for 20 percent of the company – which was a much bigger stake than Omar and his team had planned to give away.

Despite the Potion Paris group leaving the Den with a handshake deal, things didn’t turn out as expected.

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Speaking exclusively to the Metro, Omar revealed that they have yet to sign with Peter and Steven, and admitted he felt “misled” by how the process actually works.

He explained: “We were under the impression that we’d be working closely with Peter and Steven – we even joked about inviting Peter round for afternoon tea to meet my mum!

“But what you learn quite quickly is that you don’t speak to the Dragons. You deal with their investment teams, and it’s not the same as what you see on TV.”

Omar admitted that while the Dragons’ Den platform gave their brand a huge boost, they were left disappointed by the reality of working with the stars.

He continued: “We thought we’d be getting mentorship, but it’s not like that at all. Some of the things their offices help with are quite basic – like employment contracts or website support – which isn’t what we really needed.”

After realising that 20 percent was a large portion of their business to give away, the business partners put the deal on hold and secured funding elsewhere.

Dragons’ Den hopeful breaks down in tears over Steven Bartlett’s gesture – but viewers brand him ‘patronising’

And it turns out they didn’t need the Dragons’ investment after all, as Potion Paris is now worth a staggering £3,250,000.

Their episode of Dragons’ Den originally aired in 2022 but was so popular that it’s now getting a repeat showing.

The exposure led to their products selling out within seconds on QVC, where they became the fastest-selling fragrance brand ever to launch on the shopping channel.

Despite the ups and downs, Omar has no regrets about going on the show and encourages other entrepreneurs to take the risk.

He said: “If you get the chance, do it. Yes, it’s a risk – if you go on and get torn apart, it could kill your business, but if it goes well, the exposure is priceless.

“The accolade of getting offers from the Dragons will always stay with you, whether or not you go ahead with the deal.”

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Five-star hen hotel owner charging £3 a night will pitch idea to Dragons’ Den judges

THE CREATOR of the UK’s first five-star hen hotel is taking the invention on Dragons’ Den.

Katriona Shovlin charges £3 a night for poultry to stay in the luxury “hennels” in her garden.

The creator of the UK’s first five-star hen hotel is taking the invention on Dragons’ Den

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The creator of the UK’s first five-star hen hotel is taking the invention on Dragons’ DenCredit: Ian Whittaker
Katriona charges £3 a night for poultry to stay in the 'hennels' in her garden

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Katriona charges £3 a night for poultry to stay in the ‘hennels’ in her gardenCredit: Ian Whittaker

The Sun previously revealed how her all-inclusive retreat was fully booked with clucking patrons after she launched it in the autumn of 2023.

It sees birds dance to Beyonce at the cocktail bar, peck at a superfood buffet, jump in a tyre and play on a swing.

Mum-of-one Katriona, 32, is now hoping to expand her Hen Weekend Chicken Boarding business from her home in Upchurch, Kent, by getting investment on the BBC TV show.

She said: “Walking into the Dragons’ Den was one of the most emotional and exciting moments of my life.

“It was not just about pitching a business, it was about being a voice for hens, showing the world their worth, and sharing why they deserve more from us as a nation of animal lovers.

“I hope that my journey inspires others to see hens as more than just chickens, but as the beautiful, individual souls they truly are.”

The episode featuring Katriona and her pitch for her business, which also has fitness guru Joe Wicks appearing as a guest Dragon, airs on BBC1 next Thursday at 8pm.

Katriona said: 'Walking into the Dragons’ Den was one of the most emotional and exciting moments of my life'

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Katriona said: ‘Walking into the Dragons’ Den was one of the most emotional and exciting moments of my life’Credit: Ian Whittaker
Dragons’ Den reveals This Morning stars and Kardashian powerhouse have signed up for guest role on new series

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