29 February 2024 , 23:12
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The Hairy Bikers star Si King previously said he would leave TV behind if his partnership with Dave Myers ever came to an end.
The showbiz world is in mourning following the death of the talented 66-year-old after co-star and best friend Si announced the heartbreaking news on Thursday. Dave died two years after revealing his cancer diagnosis and fans are coming to terms with his passing as tributes flooded in.
Si told fans his "best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow" as he shared the devastating news on social media. "I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime," the grieving star wrote as he saluted his late friend, who will be missed by millions.
He spoke before about what would happen next if the pair ever couldn't work together in the future. The much-loved cooking duo made their first television appearance together back in 2004 fronting The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook on the BBC and have since gone on to front a number of shows, most recently The Hairy Bikers Go West.
Devastated Si announced the sad news today in a post on social media (BBC/South Shore Productions/Jon Boast)Speaking to Express.co.uk a few years ago, Si, 57, admitted he wouldn't "have it in his heart and soul" to carry on without his sidekick as he addressed his future and overcoming ill health himself. Two years on from his health ordeal, Si said: "I probably would quit I wouldn’t want to make shows that Dave and I make. That would be it.
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"I wouldn’t have it in my heart and soul, we were the Hairy Bikers. He’s like my brother." At the time of the interview, Si admitted suffering a brain aneurysm made him fear his career could be over until his miraculous recovery. He shared: "It made me take stock a little bit more. I didn’t want to (give up TV), but I didn’t know how well I’d recover. It was a real possibility but I recovered quite well. It is what I do, if I didn’t do this, what would I do?"
Dave chose not to disclose the full details surrounding his cancer diagnosis when he went public with the news in May 2022. Speaking to the Guardian that year, he explained he did not share this information "because everybody then goes Googling, everybody becomes an amateur doctor... And I don't want to be judged - yet". He added: "A huge inconvenience is the best way to describe it."
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 the disease. During an appearance on BBC's Saturday Kitchen, Dave made a heartbreaking confession to host Matt Tebutt, admitting that at one point he feared he wouldn't make it that far.
Si confirmed the passing of his beloved pal on Thursday morning, just days after the pair had promoted their latest ventures together and amid a TV return for the duo. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Si wrote: "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. 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 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. See you on the other side. Love ya."
Si then 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. Love Si x."