Dragons' Den is returning to screens with new episodes from Thursday, August 20. The business programme, which launched in 2005, is returning with the remainder of series 23, which premiered earlier this year.
However, Dragons' Den is marking a show first, following Sara Davies' exit. The Strictly Come Dancing star announced she was stepping away from the series in 2025, and has been replaced by guest judges, including Gary Neville and Tinie Tempah.
Touker Suleyman also announced his departure from the show just weeks ago, quitting after more than 10 years, though he is set to feature in some upcoming episodes.
Guest Dragons are joining this series
As Dragons' Den returns tonight, the remaining stars, Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones and Steven Bartlett, marked a show first, as they were joined by guests Susie Ma and Jenna Meek, meaning there were more female Dragons in the Den than male for the first time ever.
Why did Sara Davies step back from Dragons' Den?
Sara Davies announced she was stepping back from filming Dragons' Den in March 2025, after becoming the youngest ever female Dragon when she joined in 2019.
She shared at the time: “Little update from me... As this last run of Dragons' comes to an end I have to say l've loved every minute of this series so far and I'm so proud of the businesses l've invested in this year!
“As a lot of you will know, l'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 l'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!”
Dragons' Den airs Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
