Saturday Kitchen viewers in tears as the BBC show pays tribute to the late Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers
SATURDAY Kitchen viewers were today left in tears after the BBC show paid tribute to the late Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers.
The TV chef sadly passed away aged 66 earlier this week following a battle with cancer.
At the start of today’s Saturday Kitchen, host Matt Tebbutt took time to honour his pal, who was part of the ‘show’s family’
Addressing viewers, a sombre Matt said: “Now as I’m sure you know, this has been a very sad week as we lost someone very close to the show.
All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing.
Si King
“Dave Myers who was one half of the Hairy Bikers, along with Si King.
“They’ve been on the show countless times over the last 18 years and even hosted it a few times.
“We were privileged to have Dave back in the studio last October, after he was recovering from another round of treatment.
“He then bravely got back on his bike and continued with his TV life with Si.
“But sadly cancer took him from us far too soon.
“We hope to stage a full tribute show for Dave in due course but here is a little montage to remind you why we loved him so much.”
A series of clips of Dave on Saturday Kitchen were then shown, but it all got too much for viewers.
One tweeted: “I loved the Hairy Bikers , miss you Dave .”
While another said: “Gorgeous tribute to Dave Myers on Saturday Kitchen.”
This fan was overcome with emotion: “Can’t believe Dave is really gone he could have done so much more we will miss you Dave rest well.”
Another tweeted: “Lovely montage and tribute to Dave Myers on #saturdaykitchen – rest in peace Dave. Gone way too soon. ”
This fan teared up: “A really moving and respectful tribute to Dave Myers on #SaturdayKitchen ”
Dave’s co-star and long-time friend Si King revealed the news of the star’s death in a lengthy statement, prompting a flurry of emotional tributes from celebrity friends and fans alike.
Si paid tribute to his pal and said the TV chef passed away surrounded by his family and closest friends.
The motorcycle-riding cooking duo rose to prominence as they took to TV screens for The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook in 2004.
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.
Dave first announced he was diagnosed with cancer in May 2022, but did not specify what type it was as he received treatment.
Later that year, he told BBC Radio Cumbria the toll his diagnosis had taken on his wife Liliana Orzac, whom he’d met while filming Hairy Bikers in Romania.
He said: “It is enormous pressure on Lil, my partner.
“But Si was the one who drove us around for a week, hospital to hospital. London in and out, in and out.
“There was a week when Lil had to go away. So Si came to see me, and take me to the hospital and he batch cooked for my freezer.
“The first lot of chemo I had was really severe. And by the second lot my hair came out. So that was it.
“It was, ‘Lil get the clippers’. The Hairy Bikers or not, for anybody it’s not nice.”
Si King's full statement
“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”
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