Dave Myers, who was best known as one half of the motorbike-riding and TV cooking duo Hairy Bikers, has died at the age of 66.

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His friend and co-star Si King announced the news in a statement on social media, writing: "Hi everyone, I'm afraid I bear some sad news."

He continued: "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."

Myers had shared that he was receiving treatment for an unspecified form of cancer in May 2022.

Born in Barrow-in-Furness, the TV chef initially worked in a steelworks to help finance his studies in fine arts, before later joining the BBC as a make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics.

Myers met his Hairy Bikers co-star King in 1995 on the set of a TV drama, with the pair going on to launch their first TV show, The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook, on the BBC in 2006.

The series saw the duo ride across countries including Portugal, Romania and Namibia, trying the cuisine and experimenting with making the dishes themselves.

They went on to film many other series and specials for the BBC, including The Hairy Bikers Ride Again, The Hairy Bikers' Food Tour of Britain, The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best, The Hairy Bikers' Asian Adventure and Hairy Bikers: Best of British.

The duo also published more than 30 cookbooks together.

In 2013, Myers competed in Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dancer Karen Hauer. He was voted out in week seven.

The star also appeared as a guest on a number of shows including Would I Lie to You?, All Star Family Fortunes, Sunday Brunch and The Weakest Link.

Myers and King's latest series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, kicked off this month and sees the duo travel down the UK's west coast.

Myers told viewers in the first episode that it was "a dream come true" to be back on his motorbike.

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"There was a time I couldn't balance, I couldn't walk, I didn't think I'd be getting on a bike," he said.

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