The wife of Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers has paid tribute to her “exceptional husband” after his death aged 66.
Myers died “peacefully at home” on 28 February, fellow motorcycle-riding chef and co-star, Si King, announced last week.
King, together with Myers’s wife, “Lili” Liliana Myers, family members and close friend, David, were “by his side”, a statement said.
Myers had first shared his cancer diagnosis in May 2022.
Mrs Myers shared an emotional tribute to her “wonderful Dave” with the 354,000 followers of the Hairy Bikers Instagram account on Thursday evening, describing him as an “exceptional husband, wonderful stepdad and loyal friend”.
She said he was, “in his own words, a creator, never a follower”.
“My husband, David Myers, was a larger than life character and he did everything with passion, enthusiasm and generosity of spirit,” Mrs Myers wrote.
“His energy was endless when it came to cooking and talking recipes, or biking and talking bikes.”
She also described her late husband as an “amazing storyteller”, adding: “And through his stories and TV appearances he was constantly inspiring and encouraging people to cook, travel, to live their life to the fullest.”
Mrs Myers said she felt like she was “grieving with a whole nation… and this is something special” as she thanked fans for their “massive wave of love, compassion and care” shown to her, King and their families.
“I want you all to know that I have read every single message and comment that you sent… your stories about Dave, your feelings you shared with me, mean a lot – and my heart is filled with gratitude and love,” she wrote.
Dave Myers and Si King on their BBC cooking programme, The Hairy Bikers Go West. Pic: BBC handout
‘He touched so many hearts’
“It amazes me how many hearts he touched and how many people wanted to express their love for what Dave and Si have created for nearly 20 years,” Mrs Myers added in her tribute.
“I know the Hairy Bikers have been part of your living rooms for such a long time and I feel your loss as much as you feel mine!”
The post was shared with a picture of the couple, who met while Myers was filming Hairy Bikers in Romania.
It has so far been liked more than 55,000 times, with hundreds of people offering their sympathies and paying tribute to the much-loved television star in the comments.
Myers was, ‘in his own words, a creator, never a follower,’ his wife said. Pic: Ian West/PA
In an Instagram post announcing Myers’s death last week, King revealed his co-star’s “beloved wife” Mrs Myers “brought him so much happiness”, as did stepchildren Iza and Sergiu, “who Dave loved like his own”.
King added: “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.”
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Myers announced he had cancer on the Hairy Bikers – Agony Uncles podcast in May 2022, but did not specify what type he was suffering from.
He underwent chemotherapy, revealing how he had been too ill to walk and unable to ride his motorcycle due to being unsteady.
King and Myers’s latest series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, continues to air on BBC Two.
Myers also won over viewers while competing on Strictly Come Dancing with dance partner, Karen Hauer.
Hauer wrote on today’s Instagram post: “Love you Lil. Dave absolutely adored you. Sending all my love.”