Dragons’ Den returned to BBC One for its 2026 series, but viewers immediately noticed one star was missing.

Dragons’ Den returned tonight without Sara Davies (Image: BBC/Simon Pantling)

Dragons’ Den viewers have been left posing the same question just minutes into tonight’s new series.

The BBC entrepreneurial show returned featuring Dragons Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman and Steven Bartlett, yet one familiar face was notably absent.

Last year, Strictly Come Dancing’s Sara Davies revealed she would be departing from the programme.

She had initially joined the show in 2019, but explained she wished to concentrate on her own enterprises, keeping the possibility open for a potential future comeback.

She revealed in an Instagram post at the time: “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!”, reports the Mirror.

Dragons’ Den viewers were left asking the same question as the series returned (Image: BBC Studios)

“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.”

Sara Davies announced she was stepping back from Dragons’ Den last year (Image: BBC)

She added: “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!”

Sara’s departure from the programme has clearly been noticed by audiences, with numerous viewers questioning her whereabouts.

One asked: “Where’s Sara? ?” whilst another remarked: “What do you mean Sara Davies has left? ?”

A third commented: “Where has Sara Davies gone. She was my favourite dragon.”

Someone else posted: “No Sara missing her already.”

“Dragons Den is back. Yay Where’s Sara though?” another enquired, whilst someone else stated: “It’s been 30 seconds, I miss Sara Davies already.”

Jenna Meek appeared on Dragons’ Den tonight (Image: BBC)

The 2026 series will be hosting a new set of guest Dragons, including Tinie Tempah, Jenna Meek, Susie Ma and Gary Neville.

Serial entrepreneur and REFY CEO Jenna joined in the first episode, having previously said: “When I was little, I always used to watch Dragons’ Den with my dad and always aspired to be on the show as an entrepreneur, so to be here as a Dragon is surreal.

“When it comes to the types of businesses I’m interested in, I’m less focused on specific sectors and more drawn to founders who are genuinely reshaping their industries. I love seeing entrepreneurs innovating, challenging norms, and reshaping within their space – that really excites and inspires me!”

She continued: “I think I’m quite a funny Dragon! I definitely found myself sticking up for the entrepreneurs and even telling the other Dragons off a few times. I really resonated with the people standing in front of us because I was in their position almost eight years ago.

“I was empathetic towards the entrepreneurs and much more competitive with my fellow Dragons. I was still very much a Dragon, just maybe a tougher one on the panel than on the entrepreneurs! It surprised me how protective I felt over them, but it felt very true to who I am.”

Dragons’ Den airs Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.