All the ways Hairy Bikers' Dave bravely hid seriousness of cancer before death
While Dave Myers chose to keep his cancer type secret, he updated fans on his progress with treatment over the years.
One half of the Hairy Bikers, the TV chef recently finished filming his latest series alongside co-chef and close friend Simon King. He was well enough to get back on the road doing what he loved best, however on Thursday, it was confirmed the star had sadly passed.
Announcing Dave's death on social media, Si, who was by his side to the very end, said he "will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime." Poignantly, he penned: "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."
He added in a statement to X, formerly Twitter: "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."
The Hairy Bikers Go West was Dave's final series with co-star Si King (BBC/South Shore Productions/Jon Boast)Dave took time off work last year to have 30 rounds of chemotherapy but returned to TV screens before Christmas. His recent upbeat appearances have led many to believe the chef had turned a corner in his cancer battle.
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The 66-year-old, who is survived by his beloved wife Liliana Orzac, first revealed his diagnosis in May 2022. The TV chef never specified what type of cancer he had, admitting he didn't want speculation, but confirmed he was undergoing chemotherapy.
It saw him lose his appetite and his hair, which he struggled to come to terms with. He initially took time off away from the cameras, but returned to screens just before Christmas.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC in October 2022, he confirmed that he was doing "alright" and revealed that Si had been looking after him. He reflected on how "indispensable" his co-star had been in helping him with his recovery.
Dave told BBC Breakfast how Si had been making him his favourite comfort food. He reflected: "There was one day when I was poorly and he came round to our house and made me mince and dumplings, but he does it properly. You know, when the bottom of the dumplings are just soft, the top of the dumplings are crusty, and I really… I remember that with mashed potato.
"That was lovely. There was a freezer full and that was great." In their Christmas special in December 2023, Dave was shown going through therapy to help him walk again.
The pair travelled the world together (BBC/South Shore Productions/Jon Boast)Talking about being back on the road, he likened the buzz to being a giddy teen. "My legs are going, the grin, I feel like a hysterical teenager again. I'm going to phone Kingy. It means we can get back on the road together again," he said, leaving fans emotional.
He kept his followers updated on his progress and during an appearance on BBC's Saturday Kitchen, Dave made a heartbreaking confession to host Matt Tebutt about the festive episode. 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."
And earlier this month, the duo returned to TV for their new series The Hairy Bikers Go West, during which, Dave, seemingly optimistic, told Si how his cancer diagnosis had given him a new outlook on life. He asserted: "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."
In what is now one of his final appearances on-screen, the Hairy Biker appeared in top form as he larked about with his pal in the new BBC Two series. The star declared 'it's good to be alive' in a moving clip of the much-loved show, which sees the pair travel the breadth of the West Coast in a celebration of regional cuisine.
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Dave Myers had fans in tears during the Hairy Bikers Christmas special as he made a sad admission about his cancer diagnosis (BBC)"It’s been glorious. The motorcycling's been glorious. What can I say. It feels so good to be alive," said the jubilant star.
Reflecting on his gruelling chemotherapy in the past, he revealed the knock-on effect. "I didn't want to eat. I would fall over quite a lot," he admitted. "By the second lot of chemo my hair came out really quite radically. Your hair, eyelashes, everything just goes."
He then explained how he harboured feelings of guilt over his illness, adding: "I've never gone on about what sort of cancer I've got because I feel like that's my business. I felt so guilty because of the effects it's having on my wife Lil."
In a statement about Dave's sad passing, Si added: "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."
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