HAIRY Bikers star Dave Myers has died aged 66, his heartbroken co-star announced today.
The beloved TV chef has been battling cancer since 2022, bravely letting fans know about his illness.
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Shaggy Bikers star Dave Myers died today aged 66 Credit: Alamy
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The TV chef has been battling cancer since 2022
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Colleague and friend Si King (left) announced his death on social mediaCredit: PA
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Si shared a touching photo of the couple together Credit: HairyBikers/X
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Dave with his wife Liliana Orzac Credit: Getty
Dave rose to fame alongside Si King, his friend of 30 years, as part of a motorcycle cooking duo.
His colleague announced the tragic news in a statement, prompting a series of emotional tributes from celebrity friends and fans.
Posting on Twitter, Si said: “Hi 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.
It comes as…
“Last night, February 28, 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, 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 her children, Iza and Sergio whom Dave loved as his own.
“Personally, I’m not sure I can put into words how I feel right now. My best friend is on a path that I can’t follow for now.
“I will miss every day 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. See you on the other side. I love you.”
Dave, born in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, first announced that he was being treated for cancer in May 2022, but did not specify what type he had been diagnosed with.
Shaggy Bikers star inside Dave Myers lavish new home with huge kitchen and spacious vegetable garden
Later that year, he told BBC Radio Cumbria the toll his diagnosis had taken on his wife.
He said: “There’s a lot of pressure on Lil, my partner.
“But it was Si who drove us around for a week, hospital to hospital. London in and out, in and out.
“There were weeks when Lil had to go. You came to see me, took me to the hospital and cooked for my freezer.
“The first round of chemotherapy I had was very difficult. And after the second round my hair fell out. And that was it.
“It was, ‘Lil get the clippers’. The Hairy Bikers or not, that’s not nice for anybody.”
Dave was married to Liliana Orzac, whom he met on the set of Hairy Bikers in Romania.
I will miss every day the bond and friendship we shared for half a lifetime.
Si KingOne half of the Hairy Bikers
He was said to be smitten after seeing Liliana for the first time.
The couple lived together in Kent before moving to Staffordshire last summer.
He was also the stepfather of her two children, Iza and Sergiu, from a previous relationship.
Dave started his working life as a makeup artist and first met Si 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 cookery show, part travel programme, and in the first episode the duo drove across 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 cookbooks.
Tributes are pouring in
After the shocking announcement, Dave received COMMITMENTS.
Fellow TV chef James Martin paid tribute, writing: “I’m at a loss for words, a very special man…”
Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown shared the Hairy Bikers post on X and wrote: “Such heartbreaking news. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and Dave’s friends and family”.
This Morning’s Instagram account paid tribute to Dave and Alison Hammond remarked: “So sad! Such a lovely man, RIP!”
TV chef Paul Hollywood said he was “gutted” when he heard the news, writing: “Gutted Si this is terrible news! Love to all mate xx.”
TV host 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.
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 and easily blew past their targets.
In January 2014, they launched The Hairy Bikers Diet Club which includes recipes and tips to help people live healthier lives without starving themselves.
He gained new fans in 2013 when he took part in Strictly Come Dancing, partnering Karen Hauer and reaching week seven of the BBC competition.
Dave and Si are currently on TV in the BBC Two series The Hairy Bikers Go West, which started earlier this month.
In the show, they travel along the west coast from Scotland to Devon.
In the first episode, Dave told viewers it was a “dream come true” to get back on his bike.
He added: “I wasn’t sure I’d ever get back in the saddle again”.
“There were times when I couldn’t keep my balance, I couldn’t walk, I didn’t think I was going to get on a bike.”
In an interview to mark the launch of the series, Geordie Si said: “This one in general has been extra special because of Dave’s health and his sheer and utter determination and love for what he does.
“Especially to continue to do that while he was in treatment took extraordinary courage and energy.”
The pair’s last post was shared yesterday and they were seen smiling as they sat close to each other in the sunshine, while Dave held onto his bike helmet.
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Dave rose to fame with Si – his friend of 30 years Credit: PA
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The couple’s last post was shared yesterdayCredit: Instagram
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Dave first met Si in 1995 while working on the TV drama The Gambling ManCredit: HairyBikers/X
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Si thanked well-wishers for sending messages of support to Dave. Credit: BBC
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Dave met Liliana while filming Hairy Bikers in RomaniaCredit: PA
Si King’s full statement
“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, 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 her children, Iza and Sergio whom Dave loved as his own.
“Personally, I’m not sure I can put into words how I feel right now.
“My best friend is on a journey that I cannot follow for now. I will miss every day 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. See you on the other side. I love you.
“I know Dave and his family would like me to thank all of you who have sent messages of support recently.
“It meant a lot to him, his family and the whole Hairy Bikers team.
“Sending you all much love and gratitude for those simple acts of kindness, generosity and spirit. We are eternally grateful for them.
“May I ask you all for one more favor and allow Lila, his wife, his family, close friends and myself some time and some peace to process our great loss. I’m sure I’ll see you all soon.
“Love Si x”
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