Strictly Come Dancing Star Reveals Health Struggle, Admits ‘It’s a Problem’
Sara Davies, the popular entrepreneur and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, recently shared a concerning health update, revealing that her struggles with blood sugar and weight have intensified since her time on the show. In an interview with Prima, Sara stated, “Every year on my birthday, my HbA1C check tells me how close my blood sugar levels are to early-onset diabetes,” adding that last year, her levels were “right on the borderline.”
Sara joined Dragons’ Den in 2019 as the show’s youngest investor, bringing with her years of entrepreneurial success from Crafter’s Companion, the crafting empire she built with her innovative tool, the Enveloper, which allows users to create custom envelopes. By the time she graduated from university, her invention was turning over £500,000 annually, via Liverpool Echo.
During the interview, Sara explained how her health initially improved when she joined Strictly in 2021. Paired with Slovenian dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, she reached week eight, attributing her improved physical condition to the demanding routine: “In the run-up to Strictly, I got really on top of it. I was running a lot and eating well, all because I was in a routine, so I got in great shape.” However, once the show ended, she admitted to losing that motivation, which led her health to “go back downhill.”
Sara also opened up about her history with gestational diabetes during both her pregnancies, which places her at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This risk has motivated her to focus on keeping her BMI under 30, a key factor in managing her health. “I saw the weight pile back on, which for me is a problem,” she shared. Despite her concerns, Sara clarified that her motivation to lose weight is entirely health-driven, saying, “I am happy with how I look… What does bother me is the health side of it.”
Describing herself as a “yo-yo dieter,” Sara acknowledged that her weight has fluctuated over the years. She managed to drop three dress sizes last year by eliminating sugar from her diet, which included cutting out chocolate, cake, and even fruit juice. She attributes this recent success to lifestyle changes rather than any “magic bullet.” As she looks forward, Sara remains committed to stabilizing her blood sugar and overall health.