Dragons' Den fans might be feeling a bit miffed this week, as series 22 has disappeared without ceremony only to be replaced with a repeat!

Viewers expecting to see a new episode will be disappointed. So what's happened to the new series, and why is it a rerun this week?

Here's everything we know about the current series 22 of Dragons' Den, and when we'll be getting new episodes.

Why is Dragons' Den tonight a repeat?

Series 22 of Dragons' Den began on a high in January 2025 with the first guest of the season, Joe Wicks.

Subsequent episodes saw Trinny Woodall and Emma Glebe pop up in the Den. As usual, there were highs and lows for the business entrepreneurs brave enough to face some of the UK's richest millionaires.

Like previous seasons of the popular BBC One show, season 22 of Dragons' Den is 14 episodes. So why isn't episode 9 on tonight (Thursday, March 27, 2025)?

A BBC spokesperson told us: "It's a split series so will continue later this year with the last episode in this run on Thursday, February 27, 2025."

This week's episode is a repeat from series 20. In it, an entrepreneur promotes portable toilets for youngsters, while mushroom snacks with an impressive crunch prove too noisy for one potential investor.

Plus, a sustainable clothing entrepreneur returns to the Den for a second time, but will Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies or Steven Bartlett choose to invest?

When is Dragons' Den series 22 coming back with new episodes?

The Beeb has decided to split Dragons' Den series 22 into two parts. Episodes one to eight have already aired.

That leaves episode nine to 14 to come. So when will the next six episodes drop?

The BBC has revealed that the series will continue later this year, although we don't know exactly when. This is the first time BBC One has aired Dragons' Den as a split series. Honestly, we're not quite sure why they've done it in favour of more repeats.

They are risking the wrath of Dragons' Den fans, who have already had cause to complain about format changes this year.

Format changes and 'celebrity' investors annoy fans

Some viewers aren't a fan of the guest investors and the tailored pitches that they bring...

Complaining on X, one disgruntled fan said: "I love this show but, why oh why, do we have to have these guest Dragons and tailored pitches? I really like Joe Wicks, but his presence ruined last night's episode like other guest Dragons have."

Another added: "What is up with the BBC that you think every programme has to include a 'celebrity'? It's lazy, annoying and counter productive."

A third added: "Get these guest Dragons off you will lose viewers."

Is Sara Davies leaving Dragons' Den?

Yes, Sara Davies has confirmed she's leaving Dragons' Den after series 22. She revealed she planned to "step away" from filming to focus on her own business.

In a statement posted on Instagram, she said she had "taken the decision to step away from the Den for now, to focus on my own business". Sara is the founder of Crafters Companion, a crafting company she launched in 2005.

In her post, Sara said: "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."

She added: "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 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."

Davies will still appear in the second half of series 22 later this year, which has already been filmed. The BBC has not yet announced who will replace her in series 23 and beyond.

Her fans will know that Sara became the youngest ever female Dragon when she joined the series aged 35 in 2019. She is now 40.

Read more: Man with life-changing injury pitches new business idea

Dragons Den series 19 to 21 are currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Series 22 will continue later this year.