Sara Davies, a well-known face on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, has decided to step back from the show to focus on her own business, Crafter’s Companion. The 40-year-old entrepreneur, who joined the series in 2019 as the youngest female Dragon at 35, shared the news on Instagram, explaining that her role as CEO of her craft supply company requires her full attention. While fans will still see her in the second half of the current season, she won’t be part of the next series.
Davies, who founded Crafter’s Companion in 2005 while still at university, built the business from her bedroom into a global brand. She recently returned as CEO after the company faced financial challenges earlier this year, stepping in to save jobs and stabilise the business. In her Instagram post, she described the decision to leave Dragons’ Den as a tough but necessary one, emphasising that being a Dragon involves far more than just filming. “It’s about committing to the businesses you invest in and seeing them grow,” she wrote. “That’s why I need to focus on my first ‘baby’—my own business.”
During her time on the show, she made significant investments and showed a genuine passion for supporting entrepreneurs. Davies expressed pride in the businesses she’s backed this year and gratitude to her fellow Dragons and the production team.
Beyond Dragons’ Den, Davies has kept busy with other projects, including hosting BBC’s The Big Idea Works and preparing to front a new ITV quiz show, Time Is Money. She also made headlines in 2021 when she competed on Strictly Come Dancing, showcasing her talent and potential beyond the business world.
Her departure leaves a gap in the Dragons' Den line-up, and the BBC has yet to announce a replacement. But for now, Davies is focusing on her own company and future plans, leaving the door open for a possible return to the Den in the future.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.