Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers has died at the age of 66, less than two years after revealing his cancer diagnosis.
His death was announced by co-star and fellow motorcycle-riding chef, Si King, who said he was with Myers when he died “peacefully at home” on 28 February.
His wife, Lillian, his family and close friend David were also “by his side,” King said in a statement on X.
“I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime,” the statement read.
“I wish you god’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.”
Myers shared that he had cancer on the Hairy Bikers – Agony Uncles podcast in May 2022, but did not specify what type he was suffering from.
In interviews in 2023, he said there were times during his chemotherapy treatment when he had been too ill to walk and unable to ride his motorcycle due to being unsteady.
The TV chef returned to filming towards the end of the year and has been seen on screens travelling from Scotland to Devon in the latest BBC Two series, Hairy Bikers Go West, since the beginning of February.
Ahead of the programme airing, King praised his “remarkable” co-star, saying: “It’s a series that we will always remember – not that we won’t remember others.
“We are very privileged to do what we do and I think this one was particularly special in general because of Dave’s health and his sheer and utter determination and love for what he does.
“Especially to continue to do it while he was having treatment took remarkable courage and energy – and adds to why Dave and I will not forget it.”
Myers initially worked as a make-up artist and first met King in 1995 while working on a TV drama called The Gambling Man.
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Their first TV appearance together was The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook in 2004, which was part cooking show and part travel programme, in which the pair rode the length of Portugal.
Over their near 30-year friendship and career the pair published more than 25 cookbooks.
Myers also delighted fans when taking part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2013. He was partnered with Karen Hauer and reached week seven of the BBC competition.
‘They made every viewer feel like a friend’
Leading tributes to the TV chef, Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood, said it was “terrible news”.
Charlotte Moore, BBC chief content officer, added that everyone at the broadcaster is “incredibly sad” to hear the news.
“Dave made cooking a truly joyful adventure and he shared that joy with millions,” she said.
“The public loved him and his unique partnership with Si. Together they made every viewer feel like a friend.
“More than that he was simply a lovely man. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends.”
