Tributes paid to 'very special' Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers

TV chef Dave Myers, who was one half of the Hairy Bikers presenting duo, has died at the age of 66.

Myers revealed he had cancer on a podcast two years ago but had returned to filming towards the end of 2023.

The chef and his co-star Si King began working together 20 years ago and were known for their food programmes travelling around the UK and world on their motorbikes.

King announced the news in a post across the Hairy Bikers’ social media accounts.

He wrote: “Hi everyone, I’m afraid I bear some sad news. Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years.

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

“All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own.”

He added: “Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime.

“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.”

Before finding fame as part of the Hairy Bikers’ duo, Myers worked as a makeup artist specialising in prosthetics. He met King, a location manager, on the set of a 1992 TV drama the Gambling Man.

The Hairy Bikers’ latest series, the Hairy Bikers Go West, began airing this month with the pair travelling down the west of Britain.

The duo have published numerous books since the Hairy Bikers Cookbook first aired on the BBC in 2004, including the Hairy Bikers’ Ultimate Comfort Food and the Hairy Dieters Eat Well Every Day.

Members of the food industry have paid tribute to Myers following his death.

Jay Rayner, the Observer’s restaurant critic, tweeted: “This is very sad news. Dave was a brilliant cook, a superb communicator and most of all a seriously lovely man. My thoughts are with his family and of course Si.”

James Martin, host of ITV’s James Martin’s Saturday Morning, said: “I am lost for words, a very special man…”

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