Hairy Bikers leader Dave Myers has died 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 rose to fame alongside King, his friend of 30 years, as part of the motorcycle cooking duo.
He gained new fans in 2013 when he took part in Strictly Come Dancing, partnering Karen Hauer, reaching week seven of the BBC competition.
In May 2022, Myers, born in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, announced he was receiving treatment for cancer but did not specify what type he had been diagnosed with.
King’s statement read: “I’m afraid to report some sad news. Most of you know that Dave has been battling cancer for several years.
“Last night, February 28, 2024, with Dave’s wife Lili, his family, his close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home.
“Everyone who knew Dave is devastated by his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness, as did his children, Iza and Sergiu, whom Dave loved as his own.
“Personally, I’m not sure I can express in words how I feel right now. My best friend is on a journey that, at the moment, I cannot follow.
“I will miss him every day, and the bond and friendship we shared for half a lifetime. I wish you good luck my brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. We’ll see you on the other side. I love you.”
King also shared his thanks to fans who have shared messages of support lately and asked that Myers’ family and close friends be given time to process the loss.
Myers began his professional life as a makeup artist and first met King in 1995 while working on a television series called The Gambling Man.
Their first television appearance together was The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook in 2004, which was both a cooking show and a travel program. In the first episode, the duo traveled all over 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 have published over 25 cookbooks.
The couple 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 kilos in three months, comfortably achieving their goal.
In January 2014, they launched the Hairy Bikers Diet Club, which included recipes and tips to help people live healthier lives.
Charlotte Moore, BBC head of content, 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 of people.
“Audiences 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 are with his family and his many friends.
Myers and King are currently on TV in the BBC Two series The Hairy Bikers Go West, which debuted earlier this month. In the show, they travel the west coast, from Scotland to Devon.
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