BBC Dragons Den star Sara Davies quits show with emotional message
Sara Davies has made the shock decision to leave the BBC's Dragon's Den "for now" following the airing of the show's episode last night.
The North East entrepreneur, 40, has been a member of the series for six years, joining when she was 35 years old, making her the youngest ever female dragon.
The Coundon businesswoman took over duties following the exit of Jenny Campbell and has gone on to become a fan-favourite addition to the long-running pitching programme.
Read more: Eurovision Song Contest 2024 UK act confirmed as Remember Monday
Posting a video of several shots of her on Dragons' Den to Instagram, Sara wrote the caption: "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!
"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.
'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!'
Her company, Crafter's Companion, was launched 20 years ago when she was still at York University, and it's how the entrepreneur originally made her millions, yet it's fallen on hard times recently.
An investment organisation had to come on board to help the business last year, pumping several million pounds into the company.
This left Sara as a minority shareholder but when the financial backers put it into administration in January, Sara revealed she had spent Christmas arranging financial support for the company.
This allowed her to return as a majority shareholder and CEO, in turn saving jobs and saving the business.
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