Fans pay tribute to Dave Myers after the first episode of The Hairy Bikers Go West airs since his death at the age of 66. The episode showcases emotional moments and heartfelt messages from Si King about his best friend's absence. Viewers express their sadness and admiration for Myers' legacy.
Fans Pay Tribute to Dave Myers After Emotional Episode of The Hairy Bikers Go West
( Credit to: Sg )
Fans of The Hairy Bikers were left emotional and paid tribute to Dave Myers after the first episode of The Hairy Bikers Go West aired since his death last week at the age of 66. Dave Myers, known as one half of The Hairy Bikers alongside his best friend Si King, gained fame for their motorcycle adventures around the world and their exploration of different cuisines on their TV show.
Last Tuesday, Si King announced the sad news of Myers' passing. Myers had been battling an undisclosed type of cancer for the past two years. In a touching tribute, the BBC Two channel controller introduced the first episode of The Hairy Bikers Go West since Myers' death with a voiceover stating that he may be gone but not forgotten.
The episode, which was filmed last year, featured the bikers meeting various individuals including a Nigerian chef named Maggie, a Welsh coffee shop owner named Steff, and farmers Matt and Jenny who practice ecosystem replication in their farming methods. The episode also included a visit to a bakery that specializes in Kurdish pasties.
One scene in particular left fans emotional, as it showed Myers leaving the episode to attend a cancer treatment appointment while Si King expressed how much he missed his best friend. Fans took to social media to express their emotions, with one saying, "Hard watch this, especially Si being on his own wishing Dave was there," and another writing, "Very hard to see the TV, something in my eye. Ride in peace lovely Dave."
Viewers were deeply moved by the episode, with one viewer commenting, "Watching The Hairy Bikers Go West... in tears. Can't believe the genius Dave Myers is no longer with us." Another viewer mentioned how poignant and heartbreaking it was to hear Myers talk about his illness posthumously, saying, "So amazing they got to do it but now knowing it was the last trip is heartbreaking."
At the end of the episode, a touching message appeared on the screen, saying, "In loving memory of our friend Dave Myers 1957-2024."
Myers had publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis on his podcast, Agony Uncles, which he co-hosted with Si King, in May 2022. He had mentioned that he would be taking a step back from filming and attending food festivals to focus on his health. He also shared that he had lost his iconic beard and handlebar mustache due to the side effects of chemotherapy.
The Hairy Bikers Go West, which began airing last month, marked Myers' return to filming after his cancer diagnosis. The series follows the bikers as they travel along the west coast of the UK on a nostalgic and emotional journey.
Myers chose not to disclose the specific type of cancer he had, as he did not want the public to make assumptions or judgments about his health. In an interview with The Guardian in 2022, he explained his decision, saying, "I don't want to be judged – yet."
Following Myers' passing, the BBC's Chief Content Officer, Charlotte Moore, paid tribute to him, saying, "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. The public loved him and his unique partnership with Si. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends."
Si King also released a statement expressing his deep sorrow and the bond he shared with Myers. He described Myers as a beacon in the world and expressed his love and longing for his dear friend.
Dave Myers' legacy will live on through the joyful adventures he shared with viewers and the impact he made on the culinary world. His presence on The Hairy Bikers will be greatly missed, but his memory will continue to inspire fans and food enthusiasts around the world.