Sara Davies has revealed who she would like to replace her on Dragons’ Den in her first interview since her shock exit from the show – and fans have claimed that they’ve rumbled the real reason she quit the BBC hit.
Last week it was revealed that the 40-year-old has stepped back from the programme after six years.
On Monday evening, Sara appeared on BBC’s The One Show and host Alex Jones brought up the news while she was sitting on the green sofa.
Alex was keen to know who she thought may be able to take over from her.
Sara said: ‘Do you know, I loved it when Gary Neville was in last year, and I feel like he really had that, he had the empathy and the warmth that I think I bring to the den.’
Foorballer Gary, 50, took part in the BBC show last year as a guest dragon – and he received rave reviews for his appearance.
Sara Davies reveals who she’d like to replace her on Dragons’ Den in first interview since shock show exit – as fans claim they’ve rumbled the real reason she quit BBC hit
On Monday evening, Sara appeared on BBC’s The One Show and host Alex Jones brought up the news while she was sitting on the green sofa.
Sara admitted that she is keen for Gary Neville, 50, to take over from her – pictured left to right: Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies, Deborah Meaden, Steven Bartlett, Gary Neville, Peter Jones
Earlier on in the segment, Sara explained her reason behind wanting to leave.
Alex said: ‘Now then, Sarah, last week, sad news that you’re leaving the den. I know. That must be a very hard decision because I know how much you love it.’
Sara replied: ‘It’s who I am. It’s part of my DNA. It’s my life. It’s everything.
‘And I’m not going to lie, it was not the easiest decision to make, but I’m just trying to juggle everything.
‘You know, when they asked me, I thought, “Oh yeah, people do it for a couple of years.”
‘And then they asked us back the third year and then they asked us back the fourth year, and then I just kept doing it.
‘And I thought, “Do you know what, it’s because Dragons is an iceberg.”
‘You see the little bit of time we’re filming, but all of these businesses that you commit to, I want to give them a piece of me.
Foorballer Gary, 50, took part in the BBC show last year as a guest dragon – and he received rave reviews for his appearance
Read More Beloved Dragons’ Den star QUITS show with emotional message to co-stars and BBC crew 
‘And there’s just not quite enough pieces of me to keep going round. You know, something you have to give at some point.’
However, according to The Sun, some have figured out the ‘reason reason’ why she’s left – and it’s because there are rumours that her ’empire is struggling’.
They report that she can ‘no longer afford to splash the cash on the show’ and instead needs to double down on her existing ventures.
Businesswoman Sara first entered the Den in 2019 and has since helped a range of entrepreneurs with her expertise.
Announcing her departure last week, Sara posted a video of several sH๏τs of her on Dragons’ Den to Instagram with 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.
Sara (second left) has quit the show with an emotional message to her fellow Dragons (pictured) and crew
The businesswoman first entered the Den in 2019 and has since helped a range of entrepreneurs with her expertise
‘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!’
Devastated fans rushed to the comments to wish Sara the best, and one penned: ‘Truly gutted. You are such an honest and down-to-earth Dragon and it won’t be the same without you. Hoping this is just a one-off and you will be back the year after!’
Other comments included: ‘Couldn’t have been an easy decision. You are such an inspiration Sara in everything you do.’
She has announced that she will be ‘stepping away’ from the BBC show to concentrate on her own firm, Crafter’s Companion
Devastated fans rushed to wish Sara the best, with one penning how they were ‘truly gutted’
‘Always my favourite dragon!’
‘We will miss you Sara. You are certainly the best dragon on the show! Won’t be the same without you.’
When Sara first joined the Den she was the youngest female investor to appear on the show.
Crafter’s Companion was founded when she was a university student and spotted a gap in the market for an envelope-making tool which could be used by card makers.
She designed the gadget and had a local joiner make them from MDF. The company now employs more than 190 staff.
When Sara first joined the Den she was the youngest female investor to appear on the show
Sara has won more than 25 business awards and in 2016 was recognised for services to the economy with an MBE.
Earlier this month, it was also revealed how the tycoon has been bagged by ITV to present a brand new show called Time Is Money.
Sara revealed she was ‘absolutely delighted’ to be hosting the new series which she described as ‘exhilarating’.
The compeтιтion show will see contestants begin with a jackpot that they battle to keep – with every wrong answer knocking down the prize money.
At the end of the game, the remaining compeтιтor will bag the cash accumulated.
