Inside Dave Myers and Si King’s ‘joyous and creative friendship’: From leaning on his Hairy Biker co-star while undergoing cancer treatment to their shared love and passion

Dave Myers died Wednesday at the age of 66 after his battle with cancer, his heartbroken co-star Si King announced.

The late chef revealed he was being treated for cancer in May 2022 and bravely kept the public informed of his progress in a series of emotional TV specials.

Si and Dave have been the nation’s favorite chefs since presenting the Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook on BBC TV in 2004.

During their 30-year friendship, they traveled the world together on their motorcycles cooking together.

And like the famous duo of Ant and Dec, Si and Dave have always stayed in the same order, with Dave to Simon’s left.

The late chef (R) revealed he was being treated for cancer in May 2022 and bravely kept the public informed of his progress in a series of emotional TV specials

The cooking couple first met in 1990 on the set of Catherine Cookson’s TV drama The Gambling Man, where Simon was assistant director and Dave was head of prosthetics, hair and make-up – and they immediately bonded.

Simon previously told the Independent: ‘At lunch most of the crew ordered salads and bottled water from the local pub, while I had a curry and two pints larger.

When Dave walked in, he took one look at my lunch and said, “I’ll have what he’s eating!” We soon discovered that we both liked eating, drinking and riding motorcycles.’

In total, the cooking icons have produced more than 30 books together and documented their love of food during Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour Of Britain.

After Simon suffered a brain aneurysm in 2014, the couple also embarked on a health kick, publishing two cookbooks on healthy eating – following their weight loss journey.

The duo filmed their final series shortly before Dave passed away, traveling across Britain from Scotland to Devon.

Earlier this month, Simon praised Dave for his determination to continue filming their BBC Two series during his cancer treatment.

Simon admitted the most recent series was ‘particularly special’ and one they will ‘always remember’, coming a month before Dave died.

Simon (L) and Dave (R) have been the nation’s favorite chefs since they started presenting the Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook on BBC TV in 2004.

During their 30-year friendship, they traveled the world together on their motorcycles cooking together

And like the famous duo Ant and Dec, Simon (L) and Dave (R) have always stayed in the same order, with Dave to Simon’s left

In total, the cooking icons have produced more than 30 books together and documented their love of food during Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour Of Britain

The duo filmed their final series shortly before Dave passed away, traveling across Britain from Scotland to Devon

Earlier this month, Simon praised Dave for his determination to continue filming their BBC Two series during his cancer treatment

Simon admitted the most recent series was ‘particularly special’ and one they will ‘always remember’, a month before Dave (pictured) died

Speak with The Evening StandardSimon said: ‘It’s a series we’ll always remember, not that we won’t remember others.

“We are very privileged to do what we do and I think overall this one was particularly special because of Dave’s health and his enormous determination and love for what he does.

‘Especially to keep doing it while he was being treated took remarkable courage and energy – and adds to why Dave and I won’t forget it.’

Simon announced the sad news on Thursday, revealing to fans that he, Dave’s family and friends were by his side until the last second.

In an emotional statement, Simon wrote on Instagram: ‘In his heartbreaking statement, Si said: ‘Hi everyone, I’m afraid I have some sad news.

“Most of you will know that Dave has been battling cancer for the past few years.

‘Last night, February 28, 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, good friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home.

“Everyone who knew Dave is devastated by his death. His beloved wife brought him so much happiness, as did her children, Iza and Sergiu, whom Dave loved as much as he loved himself.

Simon announced this sad news on Thursday, revealing to fans that he, Dave’s family and friends were by his side until the last second (Dave pictured near the end of his death)

“Personally, I’m not sure I can put into words how I feel right now.

‘My best friend is on a journey that I can’t follow for a while. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared for half a lifetime.

“I wish you God’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. I’ll see you on the other side. Love you.’