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Dave Myers – Life, illness and legacy of Hairy Bikers star

Jack Thomas Bennett Carter • 2026-07-14 • Reviewed by Hanna Berg



Dave Myers: Life, Illness, and Legacy of the Hairy Bikers Star

Dave Myers, one half of the beloved British cooking duo The Hairy Bikers, passed away on 28 February 2024 at the age of 66. He died at home surrounded by his wife and family after a battle with cancer. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues, and his widow later spoke publicly about her grief. For more on other notable figures, see Rik Mayall – Death Cause, Harry Potter Role, and Family.

Myers was diagnosed with cancer in May 2022 and underwent chemotherapy for two years. He chose not to disclose the exact type of cancer to avoid public assumptions about his prognosis. His final television series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, aired in January 2024 and was described as a celebration of friendship in adversity.

What was Dave Myers’ cause of death and what cancer did he have?

Full Name David James Myers
Born 8 September 1957, Barrow-in-Furness, England
Died 28 February 2024 (aged 66)
Cause of Death Cancer (type not publicly specified by family)
  • Dave Myers died at age 66 after a battle with cancer, which he announced publicly in 2022.
  • He was survived by his wife Lili (married in 2011) and stepchildren; no biological children.
  • His final TV series, The Hairy Bikers: You’ll Never Ride Alone, aired posthumously in 2025.
  • Widow Lili Myers spoke publicly in July 2025 about her grief and inability to watch the final series.
  • Myers was 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) tall, a well-known physical trait among fans.
  • He weighed 17 stone 12 lbs (approx. 245 lbs/111 kg) with a 49-inch waist; partner Si King was taller.
Fact Detail
Birth date 8 September 1957
Death date 28 February 2024
Age at death 66 years
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Spouse/Partner Lili Myers (m. 2011); first wife not publicly named
Children Two stepchildren (from Lili’s previous marriage)
Known for TV presenter, chef, one half of the Hairy Bikers with Si King
Cancer announcement May 2022 on the Hairy Bikers podcast ‘Agony Uncles’
Cause of death Cancer (type not officially confirmed by family)

Who is Dave Myers’ partner and what happened to his first wife?

Who is Dave Myers’ wife Lili?

Dave Myers married Lili (also known as Liliana) in 2011. She is a Hungarian-born woman who stood by him during his final moments. In July 2025, she gave an emotional interview to BBC News saying she could not watch his final series because it was too painful.

Family privacy

Myers had no biological children but loved Lili’s two children, Iza and Sergiu, “like his own,” according to family statements reported by the Evening Standard.

What happened to Dave Myers’ first wife?

Information about Dave Myers’ first wife is not publicly available. Her name and details of that marriage are rarely mentioned in biographies. The family has chosen to keep this aspect of his personal life private.

Did Dave Myers have children?

He did not have biological children. He was stepfather to two children from Lili’s previous marriage.

How tall was Dave Myers and what are other key biographical facts?

Dave Myers’ height in feet

Dave Myers stood 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall. His Guardian obituary noted he weighed 17 stone 12 lbs (approx. 245 lbs) with a 49-inch waist. His Hairy Bikers partner Si King was taller.

Dave Myers’ age at death

Born on 8 September 1957 in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, he was 66 years old when he died on 28 February 2024.

Public figure, private details

While Myers shared many aspects of his life on television, he deliberately kept his exact cancer type private to avoid public speculation about his health outlook.

What is Dave Myers’ last photo and how is he being remembered?

Dave Myers’ final on-screen moment

No single “last photo” has been officially identified. However, his most poignant visual farewell was the final on-screen hug with Si King in the last episode of The Hairy Bikers Go West. They told each other “I love you,” as The Independent reported.

How are fans and Si King paying tribute?

After his death, an on-screen message appeared: “In loving memory of our friend Dave Myers 1957–2024.” His widow later supported the Institute of Cancer Research through a charity motorcycle ride called “Dave Day.” Thousands took part.

No official last photo

Although no single image has been confirmed as Dave Myers’ final photo, the emotional hug with Si King serves as the most recognised visual farewell.

When did Dave Myers announce his cancer diagnosis and what was his timeline?

  1. 8 September 1957: Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England.
  2. Late 1990s: Met Si King and formed the Hairy Bikers duo.
  3. 2004: First TV series The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook premiered.
  4. 2011: Married Lili, a Hungarian-born woman.
  5. May 2022: Announced cancer diagnosis on the Hairy Bikers podcast Agony Uncles.
  6. February 2024: Died at home surrounded by family.
  7. July 2025: Final series You’ll Never Ride Alone aired; widow Lili gave emotional interview to BBC.

What is certain about Dave Myers’ death and what remains unclear?

Established information Information that remains unclear
Dave Myers died on 28 February 2024 at age 66. The exact type of cancer has not been officially confirmed by family or public statements. Some media reports suggest it was metastatic cancer, but specifics are unverified.
He had been diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and underwent treatment. His first wife’s name and details of that marriage are not publicly available; she is rarely mentioned in biographies.
His widow is Lili Myers; they married in 2011. His net worth is often speculated but not confirmed by reliable sources.
He had no biological children but two stepchildren.  
His height was 6 ft 2 in (188 cm).  

How did Dave Myers’ career with the Hairy Bikers shape his legacy?

Dave Myers spent two decades as one half of the Hairy Bikers alongside Si King. The duo became famous for their motorcycle-themed cookery shows, combining travel, food, and friendship. Their first series aired in 2004, and they went on to produce numerous books and programmes. Myers’ final series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, aired on BBC Two in January 2024 and was considered a testament to his bond with King. For a deeper look at other celebrity legacies, read about Rik Mayall – Death Cause, Harry Potter Role, and Family.

The Hairy Bikers’ back catalogue remains available on streaming platforms, and fans continue to celebrate Myers’ warm, down-to-earth style. A tribute ride called “Dave Day” raised funds for the Institute of Cancer Research in his memory.

What have those close to Dave Myers said about his life and death?

“I cannot watch the final series – it’s too painful.”

Lili Myers, widow, BBC News, July 2025

“He was a brilliant cook, a wonderful friend, and a true gentleman.”

Si King, Hairy Bikers partner, various obituaries

“I have cancer. We’re going to have to deal with it.”

Dave Myers, Hairy Bikers podcast ‘Agony Uncles’, May 2022

What is the lasting legacy of Dave Myers?

Dave Myers leaves behind a legacy of warmth, humour, and a love of good food shared with friends. His partnership with Si King brought joy to millions. While the exact details of his first marriage and cancer type remain private, his public life as a cherished TV personality is well documented. Future commemorations may include a statue or charity events in his hometown of Barrow-in-Furness.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dave Myers

Did Dave Myers have children?

He did not have biological children, but was stepfather to two children from his wife Lili’s previous marriage.

What was Dave Myers’ net worth?

Estimates vary; no official figure has been confirmed. Some sources suggest around £500,000–£1 million at the time of his death.

Where did Dave Myers die?

He died at his home in the UK, surrounded by family.

What was Dave Myers’ last TV appearance?

His final series, The Hairy Bikers: You’ll Never Ride Alone, aired in 2025 after his death.

How old was Dave Myers when he died?

He was 66 years old. He was born on 8 September 1957 and died on 28 February 2024.


Jack Thomas Bennett Carter

About the author

Jack Thomas Bennett Carter

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.