Overview

• The BBC One series returns on Thursday at 8pm with Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Steven Bartlett, Touker Suleyman and Sara Davies on the panel.
• Davies clarified that the episodes airing now were filmed last year and that she will not appear in the 2026 series.
• Speaking on the Wake Up with Chris Donnelley podcast, she recounted BBC bosses saying, “Please don’t go,” as she reiterated her focus on her business.
• The BBC has not announced a permanent replacement, with guest Dragons such as Gary Neville, Joe Wicks and Trinny Woodall filling in temporarily.
• Davies, who joined in 2019 as the show’s youngest female Dragon, cited the intensive post-show commitments and her CEO duties as the reasons for stepping back.