Hairy Biker Dave Myers’ wife Liliana has paid tribute to her ‘wonderful, brave man’ – adding ‘Till next time we meet’ in heart-wrenching post after his cancer death at 66.
The TV chef’s heartbroken co-star Si King revealed today that he had passed away as family, friends and colleagues paid emotional tributes to the beloved TV star.
The chef announced he was receiving treatment for cancer in May 2022 and bravely kept the public up to date with his progress in a series of emotional TV specials.
He died on Wednesday with his family and friends by his side, colleague and lifelong friend Si revealed.
Strictly dancer Karen Hauer – who Dave partnered on the show in 2013 – said she was ‘heartbroken’ by the news as she posted a broken heart emoji.
Devastated fans paid tribute to the unlikely star, who first appeared on our screens in 2006 alongside his TV partner and racked up more than 30 separate projects, also selling 6million copies of their 30 cookery books.
In his heart-wrenching statement Si said: ‘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 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.
‘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.’
Hairy Biker Dave Myers’ wife Liliana has paid tribute to her ‘wonderful, brave man’ – adding ‘Till next time we meet’ in heart -wrenching post after his cancer death at 66
The chef announced he was receiving treatment for cancer in May 2022 and bravely kept the public up to date with his progress in a series of emotional TV specials. Pictured: Dave and his wife Liliana
On the latest episode of The Hairy Bikers Go West, Dave and his co-star Simon ‘Si’ King explored Lancashire
Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers (right) previously announced he was being treated for cancer
In 2022 Dave Myers revealed he’d lost his famous beard as a result of undergoing chemotherapy for his cancer, while speaking on his on his Agony Uncles podcast
Si announced the sad news in a statement released on social media, saying he would miss his friend ‘every day’
Professional dancer Karen Haur – who Dave partnered with when he competed on Strictly in 2013 – added that she was ‘heartbroken’ by the news in an emotional post on social media which also included a broken heart emoji
Dave with his wife, Liliana Orzac, who he met while filming the series in Romania. They married in 2011
Si also shared this black and white photo of him sitting with Dave on a bench
The beloved duo first met when they were both working in the film industry – Dave as a make-up artist and Si as a locations director – and bonded over their love of food and motorbikes.
Over their career the best friends built up a reputation as the friendly faces of TV cooking, with 31 separate projects since they first debuted on the BBC in 2006.
The statement continued: ‘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.’
Following his diagnosis, Myers briefly took a break from work before filming his last show with King, which sees them travel west across Britain from Scotland to Devon.
King previously said that the series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, which is airing on BBC Two, would be one they would ‘always remember’.
Si King and Dave Myers in their final BBC cooking programme, The Hairy Bikers Go West
Karen Hauer and Dave Myers performing during rehearsals for the BBC programme Strictly Come Dancing 2013
Dave Myers and Si King The Hairy Bikers at the Basingstoke Festival of Food in 2009
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (C) and Hairy Bikers Dave Myers (L) and Si King (R) attend the British Food Fortnight Secondary School Competition at Clarence House, on January 27, 2011
Dave revealed he had lost his hair after chemotherapy treatment in 2022
Dave Myers and Si King enjoy a brew in London in 2006
Si and Dave serve up Crispy Beef in Hoi An, Vietnam, in 2006
The next episode of the series is set to air on March 5, with weekly shows continuing until March 19.
Over Christmas, Dave left fans sobbing in a TV special as he asked a crowd of guests: ‘Shall we do this again next year? I hope so!’
In an emotional speech after, he added: ‘I sincerely appreciate every ounce of affection, every bite of food and good friendship. It has been one of the best days of my life.
‘To sit there with Lil, to look down at people – it’s special, you know. I want more now!
‘I want to get back on it, you know. I’ve still got something left in me!’
In a brave update on the show he explained how his famous hair and beard had fallen out by his second round of chemotherapy.
Si said that this was the point where it ‘got really real’ for him, as photos of the star showed the shocking change.
Dave continued: ‘It really is quite radical – it’s not a gradual sort of moulting. Your hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard. Everything just goes.
‘It was all about survival. Getting through from one week to the next.’
Reacting to the news, BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore said: ‘Everyone at the BBC is incredibly sad to hear this news.
‘Dave made cooking a truly joyful adventure and he shared that joy with millions.
‘The public loved him and his unique partnership with Si. Together they made every viewer feel like a friend.
‘More than that he was simply a lovely man. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends.’
Dave Myers’ wife Liliana posted a loving message to her beloved husband on Valentines day
Dave poses over a Christmas dinner alongside his stepdaughter Izabelle
Dave Myers poses with Si and his stepson, Sergiu
Dave Myers (left) and Simon King chow down on a crab and a lobster in a photoshoot on their iconic motorcycles
Dave looks chipper on This Morning in 2023 as he prepares food for the show
The pair took part in the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, riding on top of one of the National Treasures buses through London
As well as his cooking adventures, Myers was well known for his warm-hearted appearance on Strictly in 2013, where he partnered with Karen Hauer.
In one particularly memorable performance Myers did a cha cha routine to Maroon 5 song Moves Like Jagger.
TV chef Paul Hollywood said he was ‘gutted’ to hear Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers had died aged 66.
he left the audience in stitches with exaggerated moves in a flamboyant silver shirt, before taking Hauer by the leg and pulled her along the dancefloor.
His energetic dances were memorable for their exuberance and then-judge Bruno Tonioli praised him for being ‘entertaining’ but he ended up being booted off while doing a tango to I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers half way through the series.
Before his cancer diagnosis, Dave and Si had been open about their own health issues – shedding six stone between them on The Hairy Dieters: How to Love Food and Lose Weight in 2012.
Commenting on the announcement post shared by Myers’ co-star Si King on Instagram, the Great British Bake Off judge said: ‘Gutted Si, this is terrible news! Love to all mate xx.’
The Hairy Bikers’ publishers Orion Books remembered Dave Myers as ‘brilliantly inspiring and kind’.
A statement said: ‘We are devastated to hear of Dave Myers’ passing and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
‘We are immensely proud to have published the Hairy Bikers for over 14 years and will truly miss Dave’s infectious energy and passion for food and travel.
‘There was never a dull moment working with Dave, and all who were lucky enough to do so will attest to what a brilliantly inspiring and kind and hardworking man he was.
In a post to her friends, Liliana opened up about her ‘fears’ and ‘exhaustion’ just days before Dave’s death
Another post showed that Si and Dave had been lively friends well into the last month of his life, with photos showing the pair gently watching their final series together
‘This is a huge loss, and all our love goes out to Si, Lil and Dave’s wider family at this time.’
Myers was married to Liliana Orzac, whom he met while filming Hairy Bikers in Romania, and was a stepfather to her two children, Iza and Sergiu, from a previous relationship.
In a post to her friends, Liliana opened up about her ‘fears’ and ‘exhaustion’ just days before Dave’s death.
Posting a picture of a luxurious bathroom, she spoke of how important self care is when you are going through difficult times.
The coach and hypnotherapist said: ‘Is taking a hot bath going to wash away all the problems, dylemas, fears or exhaustion? No, of course not!
‘But… it’s very much part of a self care action. Soooo…. I’m off to have a hot bubble bath! And I encourage you all to do small or big things you enjoy towards your wellbeing!’
In an emotional comment, she added: ‘Hard day today, so I am enjoying a small pamper.’
Dave and Liliana kept their personal life incredibly private after they tied the knot back in 2011 at the star’s hometown in Barrow, Cumbria.
But thanking his carers with a special Christmas dinner as part of a Hairy Bikers episode this Christmas, he opened up about just how vital Liliana had been to his care.
Speaking about his cancer diagnosis, he said: ‘It impacts on the family. It’s so difficult for my wife and family you know, that not knowing, your future is completely turned upside down.
‘And also I think for my wife as well, it gave her some freedom away from me. I felt good about being able to let her have time to herself, albeit to go to the gym or a spa, just to have some of her time, because it’s been so all-encompassing.’
Dave Myers and his wife Liliana Orzac attend the Caudwell Children’s Butterfly Ball in 2014
Si King and Dave Myers in their BBC cooking programme, The Hairy Bikers: Coming Home for Christmas
Si King and Dave Myers cooking up as storm on ‘This Morning’ in 2023
Hairy Bikers Simon King (left) and Dave Myers wearing this year’s special Red Nose Day aprons in support of Comic Relief
Another post showed that Si and Dave had been lively friends well into the last month of his life, with photos showing the pair gently watching their final series together.
BBC chef James Martin – who has repeatedly cooked with the duo – added: ‘I am lost for words, a very special man.’
TV chef Andi Oliver said her ‘heart goes out’ to Dave Myers’ family and his co-star Si King following the news of his death.
Commenting on the announcement post on the Hairy Bikers Instagram, the Great British Menu host wrote: ‘Oh Si!! I’m so so sad to hear this sad news x
‘My heart goes out to you all xx’
Actor Robson Green has paid tribute to Dave Myers for having a ‘warm smile, hearty laugh, and genuine love’.
Hairy Biker Myers and his long-standing co-host Si king met on the set of Catherine Cookson’s The Gambling Man, which starred Green.
In an Instagram post, the Wire In The Blood star wrote: ‘Rest in peace dear Friend. David’s warm smile, hearty laugh, and genuine love for people were not just the ingredients of his success but a reflection of his zest for life.
‘His presence brightened our screens and his heart and soul inspired all who knew him and many others to embrace the simple pleasures of sharing a meal with loved ones.
‘May his spirit continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege and honour of being in his presence. RIP David Myers. All my love to you @hairybikers Simon at this incredibly challenging time.’
The official BBC Food account also hailed Myers as a ‘wonderful man and a very talented chef’.
The chef became a fan favourite as he starred on Strictly, partnering with Karen Hauer
Si King and Dave Myers Hairy Bikers ‘Mums Know Best’ Book Signing, Reading, in 2010
Dave Myers and dance partner Karen Hauer during Strictly rehearsals at the Royal Academy of Dance, in Battersea
TV presenter and stylist Gok Wan also described it as a ‘terrible and heartbreaking loss’ on the post.
‘Sending all my love to Dave’s family and friends. RIP Dave’, he added.
On the latest episode of The Hairy Bikers Go West, Dave and Si explored Lancashire.
During their trip, the pair became reflective with Simon expressing his joy that they were back in action again.
He said: ‘It’s great getting back here with my best mate. We didn’t think 18 months ago that we’d be on the bikes again wandering around Dave’s backyard and it’s wonderful that we are.’
Dave briefly took a break from work before filming the latest show, which sees them travel west across Britain from Scotland to Devon.
Earlier this month Si thanked Dave for making their latest series special, after being able to return to filming.
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.’
County Durham-born Si also said there is a ‘lovely moment on the first day of filming where Dave overtook me on the road on the bikes’, showing that it was ‘just like old times’.
He added: ‘Over the comms he was going, ‘Kingy, are you sure we’re going left here?’. That sort of dialogue was great and it’s what we’ve done over the last 20 years. It was really quite emotional.’
Dave Myers and Karen Hauer practising Anti-Gravity Yoga on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’
Dave Myers and Si King promote their cookbook in 2006, at the same time as their first BBC series
Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Myers’ wide variety of skills helped him enjoy many different experiences during his life.
As a student he worked in a steelworks to help finance his studies in fine arts.
He later joined the BBC as a make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics.
In 1995, Myers met his long-time co-presenter King on the set of a TV drama, and they went on to build a friendship and successful career together.
Their combination of riding their motorcycles to locations across the world and cooking up a storm as they went earned them a loyal following.
The pair also won over viewers with their cheeky northern humour and enthusiasm.
Their first show, The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook, was launched on the BBC in 2006 and saw them ride across countries including Portugal, Romania and Namibia, tasting the local cuisine and experimenting with making it themselves.
The bearded duo went on to film many other series and specials for the broadcaster, seeking out new dishes in countries such as India, Vietnam, Argentina and Mexico.
They also sampled cuisines of places nearer to home, such as Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Across their career they published more than 30 cookbooks together.
Myers also competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 alongside professional dancer Karen Hauer.
After performing dances including the salsa, jive and paso doble, the pair were voted off the competition in week seven.
He also appeared as a guest on a host of shows including Sunday Brunch, Countdown, Would I Lie To You?, All Star Family Fortunes and The Weakest Link.
In November, King told BBC Breakfast that their more than 30-year friendship came ‘naturally’ to them as they were ‘good mates’ and ‘part each other’s families’.
Myers also recalled during the interview that King had cooked him his favourite comfort food of mince and dumplings while he was being treated for cancer.
At the time, the TV chef said he had been ‘really enjoying life’ as he had got back to riding his bike and filming with his ‘best mate’.
Myers had previously spoken about other health struggles, including discovering he had glaucoma – an eye condition that can lead to blindness.
In 2018, he revealed he had originally dismissed the condition as a bad hangover.
He had also opened up about losing weight through the years by cutting out carbs and alcohol in a bid to become healthier.
For a BBC Two series, A Cook Abroad, Myers had to travel to Egypt without King after he suffered a brain aneurysm in 2014, which his co-presenter later said he was only able to survive thanks to considerable weight loss.
The Hairy Bikers star whose skills were forged in tragedy: How Dave Myers learned to cook aged 11 because his mother had MS, joined BBC as a make-up artist…and was sold a dodgy motorbike by Si King when they first met on set of a TV drama
By HARRY HOWARD
Dave Myers’ love affair with cooking began not on TV or in the kitchens of top restaurants, but at home.
It was there that the 11-year-old future Hairy Biker began making meals for his family after his mother fell ill with multiple sclerosis.
Myers, who has died aged 66 after a battle with cancer, honed his culinary skills amidst the heartbreak of Margaret’s decline.
He previously told the Mail how he concocted ‘complicated salads with all kinds of ingredients’, whilst other dishes were made with a little too much garlic.
At the age of 17, Myers was hit by a second tragedy when his father was struck down by a debilitating stroke.
After struggling with the task of caring for them both, the presenter was forced to send his mother into hospital, and she never returned.
Dave Myers aged eight with his mother Margaret, who suffered from multiple sclerosis
Myers began his media career as a make-up artist at the BBC, before he met fellow chef Simon ‘Si’ King, who sold him what he called the ‘worst motorbike you have ever seen.’
Their first show, The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook, was launched on the BBC in 2006 and saw them ride across countries including Portugal, Romania and Namibia, tasting the local cuisine and experimenting with making it themselves.
King said he ‘will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime’ as he announced Myers’ death on social media.
‘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,’ he added in a statement to X, formerly Twitter.
He also thanked well-wishers for sending messages of support to Myers, saying: ‘It meant the world to him, his family and all The Hairy Bikers team’.
Following his diagnosis, Myers briefly took a break from work before filming his last show with King, which sees them travel west across Britain from Scotland to Devon.
King previously said that the series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, which is airing on BBC Two, would be one they would ‘always remember’.
‘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’, he added.
‘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.’
Myers competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 alongside professional dancer Karen Hauer
Myers was married to Liliana Orzac, whom he met while filming Hairy Bikers in Romania
The 57-year-old presenter said the travelogue was ‘a celebration of a joyous and creative friendship’ and he was happy they returned to his co-presenter’s original home of Lancashire during the series.
Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Myers’ wide variety of skills helped him enjoy many different experiences during his life.
As a student he worked in a steelworks to help finance his studies in fine arts.
He later joined the BBC as a make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics.
In 1995, Myers met his long-time co-presenter King on the set of a TV drama, and they went on to build a friendship and successful career together.
Their combination of riding their motorcycles to locations across the world and cooking up a storm as they went earned them a loyal following.
The pair also won over viewers with their cheeky northern humour and enthusiasm.
After their first show, the bearded duo went on to film many other series and specials for the BBC, seeking out new dishes in countries such as India, Vietnam, Argentina and Mexico.
They also sampled cuisines of places nearer to home, such as Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Dave as a baby with his mother Margaret. He taught himself how to cook after she fell ill
Dave Myers and Simon King on The Hairy Bikers Go West, which is airing on BBC Two
Across their career they published more than 30 cookbooks together.
Myers also competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 alongside professional dancer Karen Hauer.
After performing dances including the salsa, jive and paso doble, the pair were voted off the competition in week seven.
He also appeared as a guest on a host of shows including Sunday Brunch, Countdown, Would I Lie To You?, All Star Family Fortunes and The Weakest Link.
In November, King told BBC Breakfast that their more than 30-year friendship came ‘naturally’ to them as they were ‘good mates’ and ‘part each other’s families’.
Myers also recalled during the interview that King had cooked him his favourite comfort food of mince and dumplings while he was being treated for cancer.
At the time, the TV chef said he had been ‘really enjoying life’ as he had got back to riding his bike and filming with his ‘best mate’.
Myers had previously spoken about other health struggles, including discovering he had glaucoma – an eye condition that can lead to blindness.
In 2018, he revealed he had originally dismissed the condition as a bad hangover.
He had also opened up about losing weight through the years by cutting out carbs and alcohol in a bid to become healthier.
For a BBC Two series, A Cook Abroad, Myers had to travel to Egypt without King after he suffered a brain aneurysm in 2014, which his co-presenter later said he was only able to survive thanks to considerable weight loss.
Myers was married to Liliana Orzac, whom he met while filming Hairy Bikers in Romania, and was a stepfather to her two children, Iza and Sergiu, from a previous relationship.