Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers dies aged 66

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 Wednesday.

His wife, Liliana, 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.

Their first TV appearance together was on 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.

A 'great bloke'

Ms Hauer replied to the statement announcing his death with a broken heart emoji writing: "Heartbroken."

She said: "Dave, you taught me how to have fun and to take on the day with a big smile. Rest well my dear friend. I'm going to miss you so much."

Countdown star Rachel Riley, who appeared on the same series, remembered Myers as a "great bloke", who "always brought absolute joy to the green room after every show.

"A particularly fond memory was Dave, @ashoztd, Nicky Butt and me, gatecrashing an office Christmas party that happened to be in the same hotel we were staying before the show's series final."

'His presence brightened our screens'

Actor Robson Green who appeared in The Gambling Man said his "warm smile, hearty laugh, and genuine love for people were not just the ingredients of his success but a reflection of his zest for life".

"His presence brightened our screens and his heart and soul inspired all who knew him and many others to embrace the simple pleasures of sharing a meal with loved ones," Green wrote on social media.

"May his spirit continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege and honour of being in his presence. RIP David Myers. All my love to you Simon at this incredibly challenging time."

Also paying tribute, Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood, said it was "terrible news", while TV chef Ainsley Harriott called it "such very sad news", describing Myers on Instagram as "a lovely, caring man who shared so much joy with his cooking."

James Martin, writing on X, said he was "lost for words" at the passing of "a very special man", while Andi Oliver said she was "so sad" to hear of his death.

Among other celebrities paying tribute, TV presenter and stylist, Gok Wan, described it as a "terrible and heartbreaking loss", while radio presenter Bob Harris said he was "very sad to hear this news" and singer Alfie Boe sent his "love and sympathy" to Myers' family and friends.

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Across his career, Myers co-presented a host of cooking-travelogue shows and specials for the BBC alongside his friend King.

The corporation's chief content officer Charlotte Moore said that everyone at the BBC was "incredibly sad" to hear the news of his death.

"Dave made cooking a truly joyful adventure and he shared that joy with millions."

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The official BBC Food account called Myers a "wonderful man and a very talented chef".

The Hairy Bikers' publishers Orion Books remembered Myers as "brilliantly inspiring and kind".

The company said in a statement: "There was never a dull moment working with Dave, and all who were lucky enough to do so will attest to what a brilliantly inspiring and kind and hard-working man he was."