Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt shares an emotional tribute to ‘kind-hearted, funny and generous’ Dave Myers on The One Show following his death from cancer aged 66

Saturday Kitchen chef Matt Tebbutt has paid tribute to Dave Myers following his death at the age of 66.

On Thursday it was announced that the Hairy Bikers star had passed away the night before after a battle with cancer.

The chef appeared on the BBC show after taking a few years off following his diagnosis.

Speaking to Alex Jones and Ronan Kemp on The One Show, Matt admitted that Dave was the perfect guest on the show and that his positive attitude was infectious.

Matt said, “I’m sorry to have to be with you under such sad circumstances, but yes, it’s nice to talk about him.”

Alex replied: When Dave first told us he had been diagnosed with cancer he stopped working for a few years and the first time we saw him on TV again was on Saturday Kitchen and what was incredible about Dave was his continued cheerful and positive attitude. attitude.’

Matt added: “Absolutely, you know what, it’s quite a grueling start and to carry on with such positivity he looked like he’d been through the mill, let’s make no bones about it.

“He looked like he was against it, but the positivity he still radiated and that kind of zest for life was always infectious and always up for a joke, always very generous with his time.

“I mean, he was the perfect guy, really.”

Ronan said: “As much as it said, this brilliant duo that he was part of in terms of the hairy bikers, I mean Dave leaves a culinary legacy, what impact has he made in that world?”

Matt responded, “I mean, you hit the nail on the head there, it was true friendship.

“As we know, a lot of people on TV are in lockstep and have to get to this chemistry, but those guys had their space and it was genuine and that’s what translates so well.

“They made food that people wanted to eat, they made it relatable, they made it fun and they loved what they did.

“And it was always infectious and given the number of shows they’ve done over the years and the number of books sold, it’s kind of a testament to their legacy, I think.”

When Alex asked him what his most lasting personal memory of the two was, Mat said: ‘I mean, he was very down to earth, he was a really nice guy, very funny, kind-hearted, very warm. endearing.

“I mean, there’s not enough you can come out with and, which is very rare, he was the same on screen as he was off screen and as we know in this business, that wasn’t always the case.

‘But Dave was exactly the same and having him there made the world a little brighter and a personality like that makes the days go by faster and there’s not much more you can say.’

Alex and Ronan further revealed that the show has received a flood of messages since the tragic news, as fans wrote to the show to recall their fondest memories of the star on TV.

Daaf died Wednesday with his family and friends by his side, colleague and lifelong friend Si King revealed.

In his heartbreaking statement, Si said: “Hello 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.

“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.’

The beloved duo first met when they were both working in the film industry (Dave as a makeup artist and Si as a location director) and bonded over their love of food and motorcycles.

Throughout their careers, the best friends built a reputation as the friendly faces of TV cooking, with 31 separate projects since they first debuted on the BBC in 2006.

The statement continued: “I know Dave and his family would like me to thank all of you who have sent messages of support lately.

“It meant the world to him, his family and the entire team at The Hairy Bikers. Sending you all much love and gratitude for these simple acts of kindness, generosity and spirit. We are eternally grateful to them.

‘May I ask all of you again for your kindness and to grant Lili, his wife, his family, close friends and me some time and peace to come to terms with our enormous loss. I’m sure I’ll see you all again soon.’