As star Sara Davies announces she i in an emotional statement shared on social media, we take a look at the programme’s tragedies over the 20 years it's been on our screens.
Over the last two decades, there have been a total of 19 Dragons, but there's about to be another. Just this week one of many peoples' favourite Dragons - - shocked fans by announcing she's leaving the show. On her page, Sara said: "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!
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"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 founded her business Crafter's Companion when she was still a university student. The Dragon designed the envelope-making tool and commissioned a local joiner to make it from MDF. Since then she has received more than 25 business awards, an MBE for her services to the economy and employs more than 190 staff.
The news of Sara’s departure has left fans devastated. One fan wrote: "Oh no!! You are our favourite dragon, we will miss you! Wishing you all the best with Crafter’s Companion!"
Dragons’ Den has been entertaining viewers for 20 years and, in that running time, has had its fair share of tragedies. Dragon Hilary Devey died on June 11, 2022 from complications following a severe lung infection at the age of 65. She was an English businesswoman and television personality who left Dragons' Den in 2012 to present the series The Intern.
And just last year (October 1, 2024), contestant Graeme Turner (53) was found dead in a woodland area in Pwllheli, North Wales. He appeared on the show in 2010 to seek investment for his business, which made customizable wallpaper kits for children's bedrooms. An inquest ruled that Turner died by suicide.
Meanwhile, - Dragon Deborah Meaden’s partner in - also died in 2024 at the age of 44. Paying tribute to him, Deborah wrote on : "I have been thinking of Robin (Bobby) since I heard the devastating news.
"Thinking of his Family, friends, and loved ones who will be aching at the loss. I have also been thinking of what to say. Robin was a good Man. He was kind and incredibly generous, supporting so many charities, helping so many people and giving so much of himself wherever he went.
"He lit up a room with his fun and energy and certainly his sparkle…he was never happier than when he was covered in crystals! He was talented, clever ( a great partner for a quiz), and fun.
"He taught my Mother to dance for her 80th Birthday party and they whirled around the dance floor at her party….he knew how to make people feel good. He was also complex and human and open about the struggles of life after the limelight. I was lucky to have known you, Robin, it’s hard to know you are gone."
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