Dragons Den star Sara Davies has announced her exit and a fan favourite could be replacing her

Dragons Den has seen 19 multi-millionaires take their seat on the BBC pitching programme, and with Sara Davies announcing her exit, bosses are on the lookout for the 20th.

Her departure has come as a shock to fans, with the Coundon entrepeneur quickly proving to be a fan favourite since joining in 2019 as the youngest female Dragon ever.

However, in recent years the show has introduced several guest Dragons, with one now reaching the top of the polls to become Sara’s permanent replacement.

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According to OLGB.com, former footballer Gary Neville is leading the odds with a 50% chance of him becoming the next Dragon.

Gary Neville was the first guest Dragon, a concept introduced in the last series of the show, with the other guests also appearing top of the odds.

• Emma Grede – 25%
• Trinny Woodall – 20%
• Joe Wicks – 11.1%

Whoever comes on board to replace Sara will be joining longest-serving Dragon Peter Jones, green queen Deborah Meaden, youngest-ever Dragon Steven Bartlett, and fashion industry mogul Touker Suleyman.

In an emotional Instagram post, Sara Davies announced her exit from the long-running series, revealing she was stepping away to revitalise the company that originally made her millions.

She explained: “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.”

It is not clear on when the new Dragon will be officially confirmed.