Heartbreak behind Hairy Bikers' final TV special after Dave Myers' death

29 February 2024 , 11:09

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The Hairy Bikers reunited for a Christmas special mere months before the death of Dave Myers aged 66 on Wednesday (Image: BBC/South Shore Productions/Jon Boast)

Viewers of BBC's Hairy Bikers were left in tears in December when the presenting duo - Dave Myers and Si King - revealed the moving reason for their festival special.

Si confirmed on Thursday that his best friend and co-star Dave had died on Wednesday evening at the age of 66. Confirming the death of his friend Dave - who had publicly been battling cancer - Si shared on X, formerly Twitter: "Hi everyone, I’m afraid I bear some sad news. Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years."

Two months prior, the beloved chefs were seen in a special Christmas episode that left viewers in tears after it was revealed the seasonal Hairy Bikers instalment was a thank you to everyone who had looked after Dave following his cancer diagnosis.

In the unique one-off show, a fantastic three-course meal featuring a very special twist was rustled up by Dave and Si for all the people vital in the former's cancer treatment, who Dave said he "owed his life to". Dave admitted that filming the program was a "very brave" step as he'd been living with a cancer diagnosis for the past 18 months but hailed the show as a "good milestone".

Si confirmed on Thursday that his best friend and co-star Dave had died the evening prior at the age of 66 (BBC/South Shore Productions/Jon Boast)

"It's a very different programme, it's very personal, it's very close to our hearts," Dave shared before The Hairy Bikers: Coming Home for Christmas premiered on BBC Two. "It's a very brave programme. I've been ill for the last 18 months and our work-life has been a mishmash and when we thought about it, we gradually started working again and then we did a Christmas special."

Hairy Bikers star Si King shares news as fans left gutted by show update

Si also touched on the emotional reason for the special, sharing: "The spirit of Christmas is exactly what was around that table. Love, care, empathy, understanding and joy. It's a joyous Christmas special with the essence of Christmas and what it's all about for friends and family. It's about joy, love and care, that's what you can expect."

Si then shared his feelings about biking again with his friend Dave, sharing: "I genuinely don't have any words, it was incredibly emotional because it's what we do. It was the return for Dave and for me to normal a little bit and that was very precious when things haven't been for Dave particularly so by default haven't been for me either. It was lush to see Dave in my rear-view mirror riding saying 'are you sure we're not turning left here'."

Heartbreakingly, Dave thanked Si for supporting him during his cancer treatment. He said: "Knowing Si has been there is fantastic. A lot of the credit has to also go to my wife, she's been there through it all with me from the start. It's absolutely vital and I feel really sad for those people who have to go through it on their own."

Si's full social media statement announcing his friend's death read: "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. 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."

Si added: "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. I know Dave and his family would want me to thank all of you who sent messages of support in recent times. It meant the world to him, his family and all The Hairy Bikers team. I am 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 further kindness and allow Lili, his wife, his family, close friends and I some time and some peace to process our huge loss. I am sure I will see you all soon. Love Si x."

S P Jones