The death of Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers was announced today (February 29), less than two years after the chef shared his cancer diagnosis.
Announcing his death, his best friend Si King shared that he was by Dave’s side as he passed away. He said: “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,” Si said.
After stepping back from work amid his cancer battle, The Hairy Bikers fans were left devastated by the news, not least because Dave appeared to be doing so well in the boys’ new Go West show on BBC Two.
It’s currently midway through the run, with a new episode airing next Tuesday (March 5).
Here, as fans mourn the loss of Dave, ED! looks back at the timeline of Dave’s brave cancer journey.
May 2022: Dave Myers’ cancer diagnosis
Dave broke the news of his cancer diagnosis back in May 2022.
I’ve got to have some chemo.
Speaking on the podcast he hosted with partner-in-crime Si King, 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.”
He reassured fans that “the prognosis is okay”, but that understandably he would need to take some time off during his treatment.
“This year is going to be a bit quiet for me.” He said: “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.”
He also warned fans that the treatment might leave him “a baldy biker for a while”, before adding jokily: “I look alright bald actually.”
Dave did not specify what type of cancer he was diagnosed with. More recently, he explained the reason behind this decision.
“Because everybody then goes Googling, everybody becomes an amateur doctor.” He told The Guardian, adding: “A huge inconvenience is the best way to describe it.”
Instagram updates
Despite stepping away from work commitments, and battling unpleasant treatment, it seemed nothing could keep Dave out of the kitchen.
He continued to stay in touch with his adoring fans via The Hairy Bikers’ Instagram, with snaps and cooking videos.
View this post on Instagram
July 2022: Treatment ‘working’
Later on in the summer, The Hairy Bikers made an appearance on Kate Thornton’s podcast where Dave shared the great news that his treatment was “working”.
However, he also opened up about some of the very unpleasant side effects of his chemotherapy. He shared that he had lost his eyelashes, making his eyes incredibly sore and that treatment had wreaked havoc on his sense of smell and tastebuds.
He also confessed to really missing his signature beard, which he also lost due to chemo.
Dave ultimately vowed: “When I get through this, I’ll never whinge again about anything.”
December 2022: Return to television
Over six months on from going public with his diagnosis, Dave made an emotional return to television in December 2022 for a festive episode of Saturday Kitchen.
Reflecting on his time away, he said: “It’s been a rough year…I can’t pretend otherwise.” He then went on to make the heartbreaking admission that “there were some times where I thought I wouldn’t be here for Christmas”.
Dave also gave an interview on BBC Breakfast around the same time. Fans were delighted to see him looking better, with his hair and beard beginning to grow back and the news that his treatment was sending “the numbers in the right direction”.
March 2023: Back to work
In March last year, Dave revealed he was making plans to start working again.
He told podcast listeners that he would begin filming a new Hairy Bikers series in May, and also had festival appearances lined up for the summer.
“At the minute life is pretty damn sweet. Now the tears are tears of joy rather than anguish.” He gushed, describing his health situation at the time as “stable”.
November 2023: Final live TV appearances
Back in November 2023, Dave made one of his final live TV appearances alongside best pal Si.
The star appeared on BBC Breakfast to promote their new book. During the interview, they spoke about their friendship and how it began way before they hopped on their bikes and cooking together.
“I’m doing alright thank you,” Dave said when he was asked about his cancer. He explained he was still having treatment but was “stable”.
“It’s all pretty good, I’m really enjoying life at the moment,” he confessed.
A few weeks earlier, The Hairy Bikers had appeared on This Morning to cook their Smoky Chilli Beef ‘Crumble’, which appeared in their book.
December 2023: Dave Myers shared cancer update
Fans were then thrilled to be treated to a Hairy Bikers Christmas special over the festive period, in which the duo cooked food with the NHS staff who have been helping to care for Dave.
“It’s a Christmas I never thought I’d be here to enjoy and thanks to these people I am, which I’m heartily grateful for.” Dave emotionally remarked: “It’s not closure as I’m still having treatment but it’s a bloody good milestone.”
The show, which aired in late December, left fans in tears as Dave offered an unseen glimpse at his hospital treatment.
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February 2024: Anorexia diagnosis
The Hairy Bikers Go West started on BBC Two earlier this month. During the first episode, Dave revealed he had been diagnosed with anorexia as a result of his cancer treatment.
He told Si: “You lose weight, a lot of it, and you’re desperately trying to get the calories in, and it’s hard. It’s really hard. At one point I was diagnosed as anorexic. Can you believe it after all the dieting we’ve done?
“But yeah, I’m doing alright now, I’m living with it. My weight’s stable so whatever I’m doing, I’ll carry on with it.”
Si’s tribute to Dave
Speaking ahead of the series, Si shared that Go West would be a series the pair would “always remember”.
He said: “It’s a series that we will always remember. We are very privileged to do what we do and I think this one was particularly special in general because of Dave’s health and his sheer and utter determination and love for what he does.
“Especially to continue to do it while he was having treatment took remarkable courage and energy – and adds to why Dave and I will not forget it.”
February 28 2024: Dave Myers sadly dies
Dave Myers died, aged 66, almost two years after sharing his cancer diagnosis. His beloved wife and his best friend were by his side.
Read more: Dave Myers’ final act of kindness before his death aged 66
The Hairy Bikers Go West continues next Tuesday (March 5) at 7pm on BBC Two.
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