Hairy Biker star Dave Myers on awful toll cancer diagnosis had on beloved wife

29 February 2024 , 11:38

831     0

Dave Myers previously discussed the heartbreaking toll his cancer diagnosis had on his beloved wife Liliana Orzac (Image: Getty Images)

Dave Myers previously discussed the heartbreaking toll his cancer diagnosis had on his beloved wife Liliana Orzac.

Dave's Hairy Bikers co-host and best friend Si King confirmed his death aged 66 on Thursday in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter. He wrote in part: "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."

Dave met his other half Lili while filming Hairy Bikers in Romania with Si for the BBC back in 2005, with the pair becoming pen pals before eventually starting a relationship. Dave once confessed that he had "major regret" over not having children and starting a family, but when he met Lili, he became part of theirs and had spoken of his delight at becoming a stepfather to her two kids.

In December, Dave spoke about how difficult his cancer diagnosis has been for his wife while offering an update on his health during his and Si's festive special, Hairy Bikers: Coming Home For Christmas. Speaking about his decision to keep the type of cancer he has a secret, he candidly shared with viewers: "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." Dave then addressed his wife's sorrow directly, adding: "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."

Dave met his other half Lili while filming Hairy Bikers in Romania with Si for the BBC back in 2005 (Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock)

In December, Dave spoke about how difficult his cancer diagnosis has been for his wife

Before falling in love with Lili, Dave was reportedly engaged to be married, but tragically lost his fiancée to stomach cancer in 1998. He had a difficult upbringing as a child caring for his mum Margaret, who had previously worked as a crane driver before being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Opening up about that hard time, he once told the Guardian: "The hardest thing was watching my vivacious mother become a shell of her former self."

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

His dad Jim also became her full-time career. But when Dave was 17, his dad suffered a debilitating stroke and three years later, he passed away. Margaret sadly died in hospital. Dave went on to become a TV chef with Si and reached new fans in 2013 when he took part in Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with Karen Hauer and reaching week seven of the BBC competition.

Si's Thursday statement confirming Dave's death read in full: "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."

He 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."

The brand new series of their show saw Dave and Si explore the west coast of the UK after the latter finished his cancer treatment. After confirming in an announcement that he was receiving treatment in May 2022, the presenter briefly took a break from work before filming the latest series The Hairy Bikers Go West.

Si recently praised Dave for making the latest series special after being able to return to filming following treatment for cancer. Si said: "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."

Aisha Nozari