Final Hairy Bikers episode to air tonight

TV cook Dave Myers, from Barrow-in-Furness and best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers, died at the age of 66, following a documented battle with cancer.

Last month his co-star and friend Si King issued the following statement on social media:

"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"

Myers first announced he was receiving treatment for cancer in May 2022, but did not specify what type he had been diagnosed with.

He had started his working life as a make-up artist and first met his co-star and friend King in 1995 while working on a TV drama called The Gambling Man.

Their first TV appearance together was The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook in 2004, which was part cooking show and part travel programme and in the first episode the duo rode the length of Portugal.

Subsequent shows included The Hairy Bikers Ride Again, The Hairy Bikers' Food Tour Of Britain, The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best, The Hairy Bikers' Cook Off and Hairy Bikers: Best Of British.

And tonight the final show featuring the pair will air.

'The Hairy Bikers Go West' will be on screens tonight at 7 pm with the pairs journey to Devon.

They'd previously visted Cumbria in 2021 though, and met Michelin star chef Hrishikesh Desai.

He runs the restaurant at Farlam Hall Hotel now.

During the pairs visit he cooked Dave a pigeon dish, which he says Dave claimed wanted as the meal at his funeral.

Hrishikesh said: "It was evident that they just wanted to know everything, why have I decided to do a certain dish by using this kind of spicing, they were just interested in every single detail.

"It was really nice to see, they just put me at ease. I was really nervous.

"We'd like to recreate that pigeon dish and serve it to guests with a tiny note underneath about why we are doing it. That will be our way to pay our respects and homage to him.

"Dining is where we share stories. If we are able to share the story of Dave and Si it will be the best way for us to pay respects to them.

"It will be a dish for a legend.

"We as a nation should celebrate this episode, we should cheer them and give them a massive round of applause for what they have done for the nation. I think that'll be their legacy."