Hairy Bikers chef Dave Myers dies aged 66

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

Myers found fame alongside King, his friend of 30 years, as part of the motorcycle-riding cooking duo.

He gained new fans in 2013 when he took part in Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with Karen Hauer, reaching week seven of the BBC competition.

In May 2022, Myers, who was born in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, announced that he was receiving treatment for cancer but did not specify which type he had been diagnosed with.

The statement from King said: “ 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 Feb 28 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.

“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 Godspeed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.”

King also shared his thanks to fans who shared messages of support in recent times, and asked that Myers’ family and close friends be given time to process the loss.

Myers started his working life as a make-up artist and first met King in 1995 while working on a TV drama called The Gambling Man.

Their first TV appearance together was The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook in 2004, which was part cooking show and part travel programme. In the first episode, the duo rode the length of Portugal.

Subsequent shows included The Hairy Bikers Ride Again, The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour Of Britain, The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best, The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Off and Hairy Bikers: Best of British. They published more than 25 cookery books.

The pair documented their weight loss in Hairy Dieters: How To Love Food And Lose Weight, when they embarked on a campaign to lose two-and-a-half stone in three months, comfortably meeting their target.

In January 2014, they launched The Hairy Bikers Diet Club, which included recipes and tips to help people to live a healthier life.

Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s 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 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.”

Myers and King are currently on TV in the BBC Two series The Hairy Bikers Go West, which started earlier this month. In the show, they travel down the west coast from Scotland to Devon.