Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies wants to see footballer-turned-pundit Gary Neville as her replacement on the BBC reality series.
The 40-year-old entrepreneur joined the show in 2019 as the youngest-ever female Dragon, but after a six-year stint, she recently announced she would be stepping back to focus on her own business.
In her first live TV appearance since sharing the announcement with fans, she told The One Show host Alex Jones exactly who she could see replacing her on the hot seat.
First, she elaborated on just how tough the decision had been on Monday night’s episode, where she was on the sofa with Faye Marsay and Matt Baker.
‘It’s who I am, it’s part of my DNA, it’s my life, it’s everything. I’m not gonna lie, it was not the easiest decision to make but just trying to juggle everything,’ she said, saying that she gave a ‘piece of [herself]’ tp every business she committed to.
She explained: ‘There’s just not quite enough pieces of me to keep going around. Something had to give at some point.’
The returning CEO of Crafter’s Companion was then asked by a curious Alex which past guest presenter she could see filling her shoes full-time.
And she had a quick response and her lips.
‘You know I loved it when Gary was in last year, Gary Neville. And I feel like he really had that empathy and warmth that I think I bring to the Den that I worried will be lost,’ she reflected.
Cheekily adding: ‘So yeah, Gary for President!’
The Sky Sports commentator had a decorated on-field career before pivoting to the media industry and keeping up a tidy business on the side.
Per the BBC, he started developing property in his early 20s while playing for Manchester United.
He has since ‘built a business empire with a portfolio that spans property, hospitality, education, media and sport’ believed to be worth up to £70million.
He appeared on the show in 2024 where he made an investment offer in the Cosy Cinema firm – a company run by a Welsh couple hoping to increase their number of mini containers fitted to TV screens and beds.
In the end he and Touker Suleyman invested on an agreement of £30,000 each for 10%.
Reflecting on his ‘absolute delight’ at joining the team on an interim contract at the time, he said: I’m used to being an interim coach. I’m going to bring character, personality, drive, determination, hard work, all the things you’d want in a team player.’
Other past guest stars have included Joe Wicks, Trinny Woodall and Emma Grede.
As for Sara, she shared a heartfelt statement about her decision to leave with her followers last week – as the latest season reaches an end.
She wrote: ‘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.’
She is also looking towards the relase of her new book, The Six-Minute Entrepreneur: 52 Short Lessons for Long-Term Business Success, in March which she also discussed during the episode.
The One Show airs on weekdays on BBC One at 7pm.
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