Dave Myers' unbelievable connection to Adam Ant and first job before BBC show

29 February 2024 , 11:25

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Dave Myers had a surprising first job before becoming a top chef with much-loved and copied recipes

The Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers lived a totally different life before becoming a successful chef with hit recipes and much-loved TV shows.

On Thursday (29 Feb) his Hairy Bikers co-star Si King announced the heartbreaking news that Dave died aged 66 almost two years after announced he was receiving treatment for an unspecified cancer. Si announced to fans that his "best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow."

He also said in his moving social media tribute: "I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime." Dave's death comes shortly after he returned to our TV screens with The Hairy Bikers Go West, where the star discussed how "good it feels to be alive".

However, before he got on his trusty motorcycle and travelled far and wide to try the very best food the world has to offer with his best friend, the widely-loved star had a very different career. His versatility thrust him into different areas of life, such as steelwork and make-up.

Both stars had very different jobs before getting famous (BBC/South Shore Productions)

Born and bred in Barrow-in-Furness, Dave worked in a steelworks as a student to finance his studies in the fine arts at Goldsmith's, University of London. He started his working life as a make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics and was even the person responsible for singer Adam Ant's iconic white stripe in the 80s.

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Adam Ant, real name Stuart Leslie Goddard, is a singer best known for his hit Stand and Deliver and Prince Charming. He also worked on Des O'Connor's highlights. When he joined the BBC, Dave met his pal Si in the 90s while working on a TV drama called The Gambling Man.

Si was the second assistant director and Dave was head of prosthetics, hair and make-up on the production. Si also worked for many years as a Locations Manager for film and television, including in Harry Potter. Dave and Si were immediately joined at the hip and went on to write 31 cookbooks, such as Fast and Fresh, Eat Well Every Day, Simple Healthy Food, One Pot Wonders, British Classics, Mediterranean Adventure, and Meat Feasts.

Dave was responsible for Adam Ant's makeup (Getty Images)

The star met Si King in the 90s (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The duo made their first UK TV appearance as presenters of The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook in 2004 - which ran for four series. Unsurprisingly - seeing as the pair enjoyed immediate popularity - they followed up the show with The Hairy Bikers' Food Tour of Britain, Mums Know Best, Meals on Wheels and more.

Dave had many TV appearances over the years and was a guest on Channel 4's Countdown in Dictionary Corner. He also took part in the eleventh series of Strictly Come Dancing and was partnered with professional dancer Karen Hauer. His last appearance was in Hairy Bikers Go West, which is still airing on TV.

A recent episode had him talk about being back on the road and a smiling Dave said: "It’s been glorious. The motorcycling's been glorious. What can I say? It feels so good to be alive!"

*The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.

Zara Woodcock