Dave Myers, best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers, has died at the age of 66, according to a statement from his co-star Si King on social media.
The TV chef had announced he was receiving treatment for an unspecified form of cancer in May 2022.
He died on Wednesday with his family and friends by his side.
A statement released today on the Hairy Bikers’ social media from Dave Myers’ TV partner Si King 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.’
On the latest episode of The Hairy Bikers Go West, Dave and his co-star Simon ‘Si’ King explored Lancashire
Dave with his wife, Liliana Orzac, who he met while filming the series in Romania. They married in 2011
Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers (right) previously announced he was being treated for cancer
Si announced the sad news in a statement released on social media, saying he would miss his friend ‘every day’
He also shared this black and white photo of him sitting with Dave on a bench
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’.
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!’
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.
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 Myers and Si King enjoy a brew in London in 2006
Si King and Dave Myers in their BBC cooking programme, The Hairy Bikers Go West
‘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.’
TV chef Paul Hollywood said he was ‘gutted’ to hear Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers had died aged 66.
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.
‘This is a huge loss, and all our love goes out to Si, Lil and Dave’s wider family at this time.’
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 King and Dave Myers in their BBC cooking programme, The Hairy Bikers: Coming Home for Christmas
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
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.’
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.
Dave Myers and Karen Hauer practising Anti-Gravity Yoga on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’
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.
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.