We're huge fans of the Hairy Bikers and their comforting recipes, which is why we are so sad to hear that Dave Myers from the Hairy Bikers has passed away following a battle with cancer.
His co-star and best friend Si King took to their social media account to share the sad news, saying "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."
Although we don't know the nature of Dave's cancer, we do know that it was diagnosed back in May 2022, and that the TV chef had undergone several rounds of chemotherapy in an attempt to cure the disease.
Hairy Bikers Dave Myers on his cancer battle
While he confirmed that the treatment was ongoing, Dave confirmed that he was allowing himself to see the light at the end of the tunnel, although he admitted that his cancer battle is still a 'work in progress'.
In an interview with The Times Dave said, “I’m doing all right. It’s a work in progress. We’ve had some hard years but this one’s been… I’ve had 30 lots of chemo, spread over three weeks and then a week off.”
The TV chef was very open and honest about his battle with the disease. He previously spoke about his cancer battle with his TV cooking partner Si King, on their Hairy Bikers: Agony Uncles podcast. Letting fans know about the diagnosis, he said: “I’ve got to come clean now, I haven’t been too well recently and basically, I’ve got to have some chemo, you know all this anyway, so this year is going to be a bit quiet for me.
“I’m not going to be filming, some of the festivals I’m not going to be able to go to, some may be okay but this year’s a bit of a write off for us."
“I have had to speak up about this because I don’t want to hide under a rock, but I would love it if people respected my privacy and just let me get on with it and give Si and our team all the support they need, that would be great. But look, the prognosis is okay, I’m going to be fine.”
During an interview on BBC's Saturday Kitchen, Dave shared that he wasn't sure at some points in 2022 that he'd see Christmas.
“It’s lovely to be back. It’s been a rough year, Matt, I can’t pretend otherwise. There were some times that I didn’t think I’d be here for Christmas.”
Following his chemotherapy, it was so lovely to see Dave return to our screens and he even gave a special shoutout to the nurses that took care of him during treatment.
Speaking about his battle with Chris Moyles on Radio X in 2022, Dave was in good spirits speaking about his treatment, his wife and coming out the other end.
While the treatment was ongoing, Dave commented that following the chemo his hair is even thicker than it was before.
Speaking to BBC Breakfasts' Sally Nugent he said, "I'm delighted... my hair... it's thicker hair than before I had the chemo."
Who is Dave Myers wife?
Dave Myer's wife is Liliana Orzac. They met while filming Hairy Bikers in Romania in 2011. They became penpals and eventually wed in Cumbria (where Dave Myers lived).
Does Dave Myers have children?
Although he has no biological children of his own, he told the BBC "For many years my biggest regret in life was the fact I hadn't had children, but when I married Lil I had this ready-made family with two stepchildren and it brought me such joy."
Dave Myer's step-daughter and son are called Iza and Sergiu.
Dave Myers Strictly Come Dancing
Dave was a contestant on Strictly in 2013 and was partnered with professional dancer Karen Hauer.
Hairy Bikers TV shows
Despite their year being a tough one, the Hairy Bikers were still working hard to keep Britain cooking. We're huge fans of the Hairy Bikers classic chilli con carne and tasty fish pie recipes. Their latest book, 'The Hairy Bikers, Brilliant Bakes' is full of fun bakes to have a go at.
They filmed their final series The Hairy Bikers Go West last year which saw them journey from Scotland to Devon across eight episodes.
Prior to travelling up to Scotland Dave revealed that he was having a last few treatments of radiotherapy. “So that’s five sessions every other week and then I go film in Scotland for two weeks, then go back on chemo, but that’ll be twice a month.”
The show was released earlier this year and all episodes now available to watch on BBC iPlayer. It celebrates the amazing food producers, cuisine and vista of Britain's west shores. This eight part series for BBC Two sees the return of best friends Si and Dave in a celebration of enduring friendship, foodies' passion and the people of this part of the world.
Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer at Yours.co.uk. She was previously a writer at Yours Magazine writing features and news stories before joining the digital team. Lorna loves the great British countryside and likes to spend her spare time out and about in her home of Nottinghamshire walking her dog, Pippin.