Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers dies at 66

Dave Myers, best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers, has died at the age of 66, according to a statement from his co-star Si King on social media.

The TV chef had announced in May 2022 that he was being treated for an unspecified form of cancer.

He died Wednesday at the age of 66, with his family and friends by his side.

A statement released on the Hairy Bikers’ social media today by Dave Myers’ TV partner Si King said: ‘Hello everyone, I’m afraid I have some sad news.

“Most of you will know that Dave has been battling cancer for the past few years.

‘Last night, February 28, 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, good friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home.

“Everyone who knew Dave is devastated by his death. His beloved wife brought him so much happiness, as did her children, Iza and Sergiu, whom Dave loved as much as he loved himself.

“Personally, I’m not sure I can put into words how I feel right now.

‘My best friend is on a journey that I can’t follow for a while. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared for half a lifetime.

“I wish you God’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. I’ll see you on the other side. Love you.’

The statement continued: “I know Dave and his family would like me to thank all of you who have sent messages of support lately.

“It meant the world to him, his family and the entire team at The Hairy Bikers.

“Sending much love and gratitude to you all for these simple acts of kindness, generosity and wit. We are eternally grateful to them.

‘May I ask all of you again for your kindness and to grant Lili, his wife, his family, close friends and me some time and peace to come to terms with our enormous loss.

“I’m sure I’ll see you all again soon.”

Following his diagnosis, Myers took a short break from work before filming his final show with King, in which they travel west across Britain from Scotland to Devon.

King previously said the series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, which airs on BBC Two, would be one they would “always remember”.

The next episode of the series will air on March 5, with weekly shows until March 19.

Reacting to the news, Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer, said: ‘Everyone at the BBC is incredibly sad to hear this news.

“Dave made cooking a truly joyful adventure and he shared that joy with millions.

‘The audience loved him and his unique collaboration with Si. Together they made every viewer feel like a friend.

“More than that, he was just a nice man. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends.’

TV chef Paul Hollywood said he was ‘gutted’ to hear that Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers had died aged 66.

Commenting on the announcement post shared by Myers’ co-star Si King on Instagram, the Great British Bake Off judge said: ‘Gutted Si, this is terrible news! Love to all, size xx.”

TV presenter and stylist Gok Wan also described it as a “terrible and heartbreaking loss” in the post.

“Sending all my love to Dave’s family and friends. RIP Dave,” he added.

In the latest episode of The Hairy Bikers Go West, Dave and Si explored Lancashire.

During their trip, the couple reflected and Simon expressed his joy that they were back in action.

He said: ‘It’s great to be back here with my best friend. Eighteen months ago we wouldn’t have thought we’d be roaming around Dave’s backyard on our bikes again and it’s great that we’re doing it.”

Dave took a short break from work before filming the latest show, which sees them travel west across Britain, from Scotland to Devon.

Earlier this month, Si thanked Dave for making their latest series special after he was able to return to filming.

Si said: “It’s a series we will always remember, not that we won’t remember others.

“We are very privileged to do what we do and I think overall this one was particularly special because of Dave’s health and his enormous determination and love for what he does.

‘Especially to keep doing it while he was being treated took remarkable courage and energy – and adds to why Dave and I won’t forget it.’

County Durham-born Si also said there was ‘a wonderful moment on the first day of filming when Dave overtook me on the bike’, proving it was ‘just like old times’.

He added: ‘On the communication he said: ‘Kingy, are you sure we’re going left here?’. That kind of dialogue was great and that’s what we’ve been doing for the last twenty years. It was really very emotional.’

Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Myers’ wide variety of skills helped him gain many different experiences throughout his life.

As a student, he worked in a steel factory to finance his fine arts studies.

He later joined the BBC as a make-up artist, specializing in prosthetics.

In 1995, Myers met his longtime co-host King on the set of a TV drama, and they built a friendship and a successful career together.

Their combination of riding their motorcycles to locations around the world and causing a storm along the way earned them a loyal following.

The pair also won over viewers with their cheeky northern humor and enthusiasm.

Their first show, The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook, launched on the BBC in 2006 and saw them riding through countries such as Portugal, Romania and Namibia, sampling the local cuisine and experimenting with making it themselves.

The bearded duo went on to film many other series and specials for the broadcaster, looking for new dishes in countries such as India, Vietnam, Argentina and Mexico.

They also sampled cuisines from places closer to home, such as Ireland and the Isle of Man.

During their career they published more than 30 cookbooks together.

Myers also took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 alongside professional dancer Karen Hauer.

After performing dances such as salsa, jive and paso doble, the pair were voted out of the competition in week seven.

He also appeared as a guest on numerous shows including Sunday Brunch, Countdown, Would I Lie To You?, All Star Family Fortunes and The Weakest Link.

In November, King told BBC Breakfast that their friendship of more than three decades came “natural” to them because they were “good friends” and “separated each other’s families.”

Myers also recalled during the interview that King cooked his favorite comfort food, ground beef and dumplings, for him while he was being treated for cancer.

The TV chef said at the time that he was ‘really enjoying life’ after he started cycling and filming again with his ‘best friend’.

Myers had previously spoken about other health issues, including discovering he had glaucoma – an eye condition that can lead to blindness.

In 2018, he revealed that he had initially dismissed the condition as a severe hangover.

He had also opened up about losing weight over the years by cutting out carbs and alcohol in an effort to get healthier.

For a BBC Two series, A Cook Abroad, Myers had to travel to Egypt without King after suffering a brain aneurysm in 2014, which his co-presenter later said he could only survive thanks to significant weight loss.

Myers was married to Liliana Orzac, whom he met while filming Hairy Bikers in Romania, and was a stepfather to her two children, Iza and Sergiu, from a previous relationship.