Dave Myers' wife and Si King lead tributes to late Hairy Bikers star

The TV star and cook had been undergoing treatment for cancer.

The Hairy Bikers Go West,13-02-2024,2 - Dumfries & Galloway,Dave Myers, Si King,South Shore Productions,Jon Boast
The death of Dave Myers, left, was announced on social media by his Hairy Bikers Si King. (South Shore Productions/BBC)

Hairy Bikers star Si King has announced the heartbreaking news of his best friend Dave Myers' death at 66 years old.

Myers' wife Liliana shared an emotional tribute to her late husband, calling him "wonderful" and "brave". She wrote on Twitter: "Rest in peace, my love. My wonderful, brave man! Till next time we meet."

King told how he had been with his friend when he died on Wednesday night, along with Myers' wife Lili and his family. The pair were known for their TV travel and cooking shows, and recently had shared Myers' cancer diagnosis and treatment with their fans.

The Hairy Bikers star shared a loving tribute to his friend on social media as he revealed his devastation at losing his friend. Celebrating his friend, King called Myers his "brother" and a "beacon in the world" in the moving message.

Si King's Dave Myers tribute in full

Sharing photos of Myers on Instagram, King 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 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.

"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."

The Hairy Bikers Go West,27-02-2024,4 - Merseyside,Si King, Dave Myers,South Shore Productions,Jon Boast
The Hairy Bikers in their last TV series, Go West. (South Shore Productions/BBC)

This Morning stars pay tribute to 'friend of the show'

The This Morning stars also added their own tributes to Myers during Thursday's show after hearing the news. Host Rochelle Humes, calling him "a friend of the show", said: "That's kind of taken all of our breath away. Such a huge character, anybody that knows him knows he bounces in, a ball of positivity."

Nick Ferrari added: "He's on the great highway in the sky now."

Gok Wan, who appeared on This Morning on Thursday, commented on King's post: "Such a terrible and heartbreaking loss. Sending all my love to Dave’s family and friends. RIP Dave."

The Hairy Bikers Go West,06-02-2024,PORTRAIT,Si King, Dave Myers,South Shore Productions,Jon Boast
The Hairy Bikers were known for their enduring friendship. (South Shore Productions/BBC)

Paul Hollywood and TV chefs send love to Si King

Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood offered his support to King, commenting on his tribute: "Gutted Si, this is terrible news! Love to all mate xx"

Former Bake Off winner Candice Brown also added her condolences: "So sorry Si. Thinking of you all."

Andi Oliver wrote: "Oh Si!! I’m so so sad to hear this sad news x my heart goes out to you all xx," while Atul Kochhar commented with three broken heart emojis.

Strictly Come Dancing partner Karen Hauer's heartbreak

Myers took part in the 2017 series of Strictly Come Dancing, where he was partnered with Karen Hauer. The BBC star commented on Instagram: "Heartbroken," adding a broken heart emoji.

Meanwhile, Robson Green added: "Sending all my love to you brother at this incredibly challenging time. The spirit of David will always continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him."

The Hairy Bikers' final TV series

The Hairy Bikers Go West,13-02-2024,2 - Dumfries & Galloway,Dave Myers, Si King,South Shore Productions,Jon Boast
Dave Myers and Si King took to the road one last time in Go West. (South Shore Productions/BBC)

Earlier this month, Myers and King had appeared together in new BBC series The Hairy Bikers: Go West, where Myers spoke to his friend about his experience with cancer.

He said: "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."

Read more: The Hairy Bikers