Dave Myers’ Strictly Come Dancing partner Karen Hauer and Paul Hollywood have led the celebrity tributes after his tragic death aged 66.
Dave, who was best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers, passed away on Wednesday night with his TV partner Si King, 57, and his family by his side after a battle with cancer.
After his death was announced, stars who knew Dave flooded social media to share their condolences, with Great British Bake Off judge Paul, 57, saying his death is a ‘terrible’ loss for all.
Karen, 41, who was paired with Dave on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2013 and got all the way through to week seven, said she was ‘heartbroken’.
Paul wrote: ‘Gutted Si, this is terrible news! Love to you all mate xx’ Bake Off winner Candice Brown wrote: ‘So sorry Si. Thinking of you all’.
Dave Myers ‘ Strictly Come Dancing partner Karen Hauer and Paul Hollywood have led the celebrity tributes after his tragic death aged 66
Karen and Dave formed a close bond when they competed on the show back in 2013 and were voted out in week seven
Karen, who was paired with Dave on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2013, said she was ‘heartbroken’
Gok Wan wrote: ‘Such a terrible and heartbreaking loss. Sending all my love to Dave’s family and friends RIP Dave’.
Celebs Go Dating coach Anna Williamson said she has been ‘knocked for six’ by Dave’s passing as she paid a heartfelt tribute, calling him one of ‘the kindest, most enthusiastic’ people she knew.
Anna said Dave had helped when she started a pantomime stint with him in Cinderella as she was grieving the sudden loss of her father-in-law.
She wrote: ‘The news that Dave has passed away has knocked me for six. One of the kindest, most enthusiastic, generous people.
‘Him and his beautiful wife Lil took me and my husband under their wing with love, support & kindness when my father in law suddenly died literally the day we all started a 3 month job working together.
‘In the world of ‘celeb’ you never know if anybody is going to be as nice as you hoped their persona suggests… In Dave’s case he was everything and more, and we took great pride (and amusement) in playing opposite each other as father & daughter in Cinderella & the tomfoolery that ensued on & off stage. And ever since he’s been ‘Daddy Dave’ and me ‘darling daughter’.
‘I’m gutted he’s been taken too soon. We’ve lost a gem. Rest up DD. Thanks for looking out for me.’
Andi Oliver was emotional reading Si King’s statement announcing his best friend’s death.
‘Oh Si! I’m so so sad to hear this sad news. My heart goes out to you all xx’.
Dave, who was best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers passed away on Wednesday night with his TV partner Si King and his family by his side after a battle with cancer
After his death was announced, stars who knew Dave flooded social media to share their condolences
Dave filmed the Coming Home for Christmas with Si, which aired last year
Celebs Go Dating coach Anna Williamson said she has been ‘knocked for six’ by Dave’s passing as she paid a heartfelt tribute
Anna said Dave had helped when she started a pantomime stint with him as she was grieving the sudden loss of her father-in-law
The two appeared on This Morning back in October last year, with Dave bravely documenting his cancer battle on their TV shows
Susanna Reid shared a throwback with Dave and Karen captioned: ‘Devastating news. @hairybikerdavemyers was so enthusiastic, positive and had a huge heart’
The Strictly Come Dancing team also shared their condolences with a statement
Susanna Reid shared a throwback with Dave and Karen captioned: ‘Devastating news. @hairybikerdavemyers was so enthusiastic, positive and had a huge heart.
Condolences to everyone who loved him including his wife Lili @hairybikers Si and his 2013 @bbcstrictly partner @karenhauer.’
The Strictly Come Dancing team also shared their condolences, writing: ‘The Strictly Come Dancing family are incredibly sad to learn of this news.
‘Dave was a true gentleman and embraced the full Strictly experience with his trademark good humour, enthusiasm and kind nature.
‘We are sending all our love and thoughts to his friends and family at this difficult time.’
Loose Women star Charlene White remembered Dave on the show, saying: ‘It’s just two years after revealing that he had been diagnosed with cancer, Dave and his co-star Si were big fans and big friends of the show.
‘We send all of our love to both Si and of course Dave’s family. It’s a huge loss to our telly family.’
BBC Food commented: ‘Sending love from the BBC Food family. A wonderful man and a very talented chef. RIP Dave’.
Planet Rock Radio, who worked with Dave, called him a ‘true professional’.
‘Such sad news and what lovely words Si. All of us at Planet Rock will miss Dave – a true professional to work with, a smashing bloke and a real rock fan. The thoughts of us go out to you.’
The Hairy Bikers’ publishers Orion Books remembered Dave Myers as ‘brilliantly inspiring and kind’.
A statement said: ‘We are devastated to hear of Dave Myers’ passing and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
‘We are immensely proud to have published the Hairy Bikers for over 14 years and will truly miss Dave’s infectious energy and passion for food and travel.
‘There was never a dull moment working with Dave, and all who were lucky enough to do so will attest to what a brilliantly inspiring and kind and hardworking man he was.
‘This is a huge loss, and all our love goes out to Si, Lil and Dave’s wider family at this time.’
A statement released on the Hairy Bikers’ social media from Dave’s’ TV partner Si said: ‘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.’
Earlier this month, Si thanked Dave for making their latest series special, after being able to return to filming
Dave with his wife, Liliana Orzac, who he met while filming the series in Romania. They married in 2011
Hairy Bikers star Dave (right) announced he was being treated for cancer in 2022
Si announced the sad news in a statement released on social media, saying he would miss his friend ‘every day’
He also shared this black and white photo of him sitting with Dave on a bench
The statement continued: ‘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.’
Dave announced he was receiving treatment for an unspecified form of cancer in May 2022.
Following his diagnosis, the presenter briefly took a break from work before filming his last show with Si, which sees them travel west across Britain from Scotland to Devon.
Si previously said that the series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, which is airing on BBC Two, would be one they would ‘always remember’.
The next episode of the series is set to air on March 5, with weekly shows continuing until March 19.
Over Christmas, Dave left fans sobbing in a TV special as he asked a crowd of guests: ‘Shall we do this again next year? I hope so!’
In an emotional speech after, he added: ‘I sincerely appreciate every ounce of affection, every bite of food and good friendship. It has been one of the best days of my life.
‘To sit there with Lil, to look down at people – it’s special, you know. I want more now!
‘I want to get back on it, you know. I’ve still got something left in me!’
Reacting to the news, BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore said: ‘Everyone at the BBC is incredibly sad to hear this news.
‘Dave made cooking a truly joyful adventure and he shared that joy with millions.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (C) and Hairy Bikers Dave (L) and Si (R) attend the British Food Fortnight Secondary School Competition at Clarence House, on January 27, 2011
Si and Dave in their BBC cooking programme, The Hairy Bikers Go West. In 1995, Dave met his long-time co-presenter Si on the set of a TV drama, and they went on to build a friendship
The chef became a fan favourite as he starred on Strictly, partnering with Karen. His energetic dances were memorable for their exuberance
‘The public loved him and his unique partnership with Si. Together they made every viewer feel like a friend.
‘More than that he was simply a lovely man. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends.’
Earlier this month, Si thanked Dave for making their latest series special, after being able to return to filming.
Si said: ‘It’s a series that we will always remember, not that we won’t remember others.
‘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.’
County Durham-born Si also said there is a ‘lovely moment on the first day of filming where Dave overtook me on the road on the bikes’, showing that it was ‘just like old times’.
He added: ‘Over the comms he was going, ‘Kingy, are you sure we’re going left here?’. That sort of dialogue was great and it’s what we’ve done over the last 20 years. It was really quite emotional.’
Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Dave’s wide variety of skills helped him enjoy many different experiences during his life.
As a student he worked in a steelworks to help finance his studies in fine arts.
He later joined the BBC as a make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics.
In 1995, Dave met his long-time co-presenter Si on the set of a TV drama, and they went on to build a friendship and successful career together.
Their combination of riding their motorcycles to locations across the world and cooking up a storm as they went earned them a loyal following.
The pair also won over viewers with their cheeky northern humour and enthusiasm.
Their first show, The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook, was launched on the BBC in 2006 and saw them ride across countries including Portugal, Romania and Namibia, tasting the local cuisine and experimenting with making it themselves.
The bearded duo went on to film many other series and specials for the broadcaster, seeking out new dishes in countries such as India, Vietnam, Argentina and Mexico.
They also sampled cuisines of places nearer to home, such as Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Across their career they published more than 30 cookbooks together.
He also appeared as a guest on a host of shows including Sunday Brunch, Countdown, Would I Lie To You?, All Star Family Fortunes and The Weakest Link.
In November, Si told BBC Breakfast that their more than 30-year friendship came ‘naturally’ to them as they were ‘good mates’ and ‘part each other’s families’.
Dave had previously spoken about other health struggles, including discovering he had glaucoma – an eye condition that can lead to blindness.
In 2018, he revealed he had originally dismissed the condition as a bad hangover.
He had also opened up about losing weight through the years by cutting out carbs and alcohol in a bid to become healthier.
For a BBC Two series, A Cook Abroad, Dave had to travel to Egypt without Si after he suffered a brain aneurysm in 2014, which his co-presenter later said he was only able to survive thanks to considerable weight loss.
Dave was married to Liliana Orzac, whom he met while filming Hairy Bikers in Romania, and was a stepfather to her two children, Iza and Sergiu, from a previous relationship.