29 February 2024 , 10:48
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Dave Myers' death has stunned fans of the Hairy Bikers, with many believing the chef had turned a corner in his cancer battle following his recent TV appearances.
The Hairy Bikers star was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and the aggressive chemotherapy he underwent to combat the disease meant he had to learn to walk again and made him lose his appetite.
After revealing his diagnosis, Dave spoke bravely about his condition on several occasions. Dave took time off work last year to have 30 rounds of chemotherapy but returned to TV screens before Christmas.
In what is now one of his last TV appearances ever, Dave appeared on top form as he larked about with pal Si King. He declared 'it's good to be alive' in a moving clip from The Hairy Bikers Go West, which has been airing on BBC Two as recently as this week.
“It’s been glorious. The motorcycling’s been glorious. What can I say. It feels so good to be alive," said the jubilant star.
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Just days later, Dave's devastated best friend Si King revealed the heartbreaking news that he'd sadly passed away.
Dave had kept fans updated on his cancer journey throughout, and revealed his recent return to the air was a celebration of his fight against cancer.
During an appearance on BBC's Saturday Kitchen, Dave made a heartbreaking confession to host Matt Tebutt. He said: "I don’t go on about it too much, but with most Christmas specials you have to cook for somebody, but this was kind of like the Hairy Bikers best ever Christmas. Because it was the Christmas I never thought I’d be here for."
Dave opened up to Si about his new perspective on life in their new show (BBC/South Shore Productions/Jon Boast)He said: "I had to learn to walk and I had to learn to ride my motorcycle again." Dave and Si joined forces for their Coming Home for Christmas special, which Si admitted was "really emotional".
He said: "He’s my best mate and we’ve known each other for 30 years and cooked together for 22." Earlier this month, the duo returned to TV for their new series The Hairy Bikers: Go West and Dave told Si how his cancer diagnosis had given him a new outlook on life.
He said: "One thing I'd say is you have to live for today, don't live for tomorrow because you don't know what's around the corner. It could be a double decker bus. Live for today and don't worry so much.
"I've always been a stupid worrier. Big stuff I'm alright, but I worry about the daft stuff. But now I'm learning, I'm like, 'Come on Myers get it in perspective!" He added: "But cancer - there's nothing kicks you in the teeth like that."
The Hairy Bikers star previously explained his decision to keep the type of cancer he has secret, he said: "I didn't want to eat. I would fall over quite a lot. By the second lot of chemo my hair came out really quite radically. Your hair, eyelashes, everything just goes.
"I've never gone on about what sort of cancer I've got because I feel like that's my business. I don't want newspapers to run a lottery on how long I've got to live. That's not what I want. I felt so guilty because of the effects it's having on my wife Lil."
On Thursday, Si shared the sad news of his best friend's tragic death. In a statement, he said: "Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years. Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home.
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"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 god’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world." Si went on to thank all those who sent messages of support to Dave and his family.