Sara Davies has responded to Touker Suleyman's announcement that he is leaving Dragons' Den, saying the show 'won't be the same' without him. The entrepreneur shared a lengthy tribute to her former co-star on social media after he revealed his departure from the BBC One programme.
Touker Suleyman's Exit Announcement
Touker Suleyman, 72, who owns UK shirtmaker Hawes And Curtis and fashion label Ghost, has been a dragon on the show since 2015. In an Instagram post, he said: 'After ten extraordinary years as a dragon on BBC's Dragons' Den, I have made the decision to step down from the show. It has been an immense privilege to sit in that chair, to meet so many passionate and talented entrepreneurs and to invest in business and people I truly believed in.'
He added: 'The show gave me a platform not only to invest in leading British founders and companies but to share hard-won wisdom built over decades in business – and I hope that, in some small way, I made a difference to those who stood opposite me. At 72, I find myself reflecting on what matters most.'
Touker continued: 'I am proud of every deal made, every pitch challenged and every founder I had the honour of backing. But firmly believe that great institutions must evolve and it is time for new blood to take my seat in the den and bring their own vision to this brilliant show. Fans of the series can still catch me in action one last time – my final episodes will be airing later this year.'
He expressed hope that viewers would enjoy his final episodes, describing his time on the programme as 'truly memorable'. He also noted that his departure would 'give me more time to mentor the entrepreneurs I have invested in, and to give back the 50 years of business experience I have accumulated'.
Sara Davies' Tribute
Sara Davies, who stepped back from Dragons' Den last year to focus on her role as CEO of Crafter's Companion, took to social media to honour Touker's work and the mentorship he provided when she joined the show. Alongside a series of photos of the pair, she wrote: 'So I saw the news broke over the weekend that 'Uncle Touker' is stepping down from Dragons' Den, and I honestly can't imagine those famous chairs without him.'
She continued: '@touker_suleyman was the very first Dragon I met. He put me through my screen test and, on my first day in the Den, I remember walking into the green room and asking if he would mentor me through the process. From that moment on, he did exactly that. What started as mentorship grew into a close friendship, and for that I'll always be incredibly grateful.'
Sara added: 'We always bounced off each other brilliantly in the Den. We shared the same instincts on so many business decisions, but there were just as many occasions where we saw things completely differently — and when that happened, didn't you all know about it! Those debates, and the banter that came with them, are memories I'll always look back on with a smile.'
She praised Touker's conviction and ability to spot potential, saying: 'I've always had enormous respect for Touker's conviction and his ability to spot potential where others perhaps don't. I've seen first-hand the impact he's had on the businesses he's invested in, not just through the capital he provides, but through the wisdom, generosity and unwavering support he gives to founders. He's been an incredible Dragon, an exceptional businessman and, above all, a wonderful friend.'
Concluding her tribute, Sara wrote: 'Looking back, I know I was a better Dragon because of him. His advice, honesty and friendship have shaped me in more ways than he'll probably ever know. Touker leaves behind an incredible legacy, and Dragons' Den simply won't be the same without him. I know I'll miss his unique style, sharp wit and the way he always stayed true to his instincts, no matter what anyone else around him thought. He'll be a huge miss, both on our screens and around those famous chairs.'
