Sarah Willingham and Nick Jenkins to leave Dragons’ Den

Entrepreneurs-turned-investors Sarah Willingham and Nick Jenkins are exiting Dragons’ Den after two series, the BBC has announced.

Willingham, the former owner of Indian restaurant chain Bombay Bicycle Club, founder of AIM-listed NutraHealth and co-founder of money advice site Letssavemoney, has stepped down from the role to fulfill her “long-held dream” of travelling the world with her family.

The business mogul will still be actively involved in the start-up space though as, this month, she has joined with Startups.co.uk and business broadband and phone provider Plusnet to become a Funding Pioneer for Plusnet Pioneers; an exciting programme of events, mentoring and content to help small businesses grow.

On March 8, Willingham will be sharing her essential advice on raising finance at an exclusive event in Birmingham.

Like Willingham, Moonpig-founder Jenkins has also left the show to concentrate on new pursuits. The pair’s last appearance in the Den will be on Sunday 26 February.

It’s expected that Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, and Touker Suleyman will remain as Dragons.

BBC Two channel editor, Patrick Holland, has commented that “Jenkins and Willingham have both been terrific Dragons”:

“Using their nous and insight to make some great investments and produce some compelling entertainment in the process. As they step down from the show I want to thank them and wish them all the very best for the future.”