Hairy Biker Si King admits he still expects to hear from 'best mate' Dave Myers

Si admitted he is still adjusting to Dave's absence
-Credit: (Image: BBC)


Si King has admitted that he still finds himself waiting for his "best mate" and Hairy Bikers other half Dave Myers to call, eight months on since his death earlier this year.

Dave died in February aged 66 with his family and friends by his side following a battle with cancer, with Si saying in a moving tribute at the time that he "will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime". The beloved motorbiking duo hosted more than 30 cooking and travel series together, having first met behind the scenes in TV production in the 1990s.

Si has spoken of his wish to continue the work of the Hairy Bikers in Dave's memory, and has recently shared his excitement about launching a new takeaway food venue in Sunderland in time for Christmas. But on ITV's This Morning on Wednesday, Si confessed that he is still processing his friend's death, saying: "The amount of times that I've gone, 'I've not heard from that toe rag' - and I'll go, 'Oh man'."

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He added: "He was my best mate - and actually he still is my best mate. That never goes, does it? But he is a miss. And it's just a bit odd."

Reflecting on his grief, the 58-year-old star went on: "It's raw for anybody that loses somebody, but there are two things that are certain in life - you begin it and you end it. The bit in the middle is about what you do with it.

"And Dave, I have to say, he loved his life. He lived it to the full and he was joyous to be around."

Si also appeared on Tuesday's episode of BBC's The One Show, where he became emotional as he spoke about Dave. "It's a big loss and a big adjustment, but I know Dave would have wanted me to keep pushing up so that’s exactly what I will do," he told hosts Alex Jones and Alex Scott.

He vowed: "I want to look after the legacy we have built, because it deserves the respect Dave and myself put into it. So I'll continue to look after it."

Si has shared that he hopes his latest venture, the conversion of three former stables buildings at the regenerated Sheepfolds Stables site in Sunderland, will be ready in time for festive trading. The venue - which is a joint venture with Richard Marsden, the boss of Sheepfolds developer BDN - will be known as Propa! and will serve up North East comfort food favourites.

Work is under way on the fit out of the eatery, which could be the first of a chain extending beyond Wearside if the concept proves popular. Propa! will sell a range of pies including steak and ale, corned beef and cheese and onion, as well as brisket puddings and breakfast items such as North East potato floddies.