WIFE-CARRYING and fish-pickling - it's all in a day's work for Furness' most famous face on the telly, who is back with an intrepid TV series and meaty new cookbook. 

Hairy Bikers Dave Myers and Si King were determined to throw themselves into the action while making new BBC Two road trip series Northern Exposure. 

The pair circumnavigated the vast Baltic Sea for the six-part series, which sees them biking and exploring the cuisine of countries including Poland, Sweden, Russia and Finland, where Mr King was persuaded to indulge in a favourite local sport.

Mr King explained: "Dave said 'I think he would like a go at the wife-carrying', and I went, 'pardon me, what?'"

"I disappeared down the boardwalk with this very light and lovely lady attached to my neck going, 'See you later lads, I am not coming back!'"

The trip had been in the pipeline for a few years, but had to be put on hold after Mr King received emergency treatment for a life-threatening brain aneurysm in 2014.

Today, the 47-year-old is recovering well - although he admits he does have to keep an eye on his fatigue levels, given the high-energy nature of the Bikers' work.

Barrow's Mr Myers says getting back on the road with his pal has been "magic... like putting on a pair of comfy shoes".

"It's better than ever really, because we appreciate it a bit more," the former Strictly Come Dancing contestant said. 

The pair slimmed down in 2012 after embarking on a healthy eating kick, but admit they are feeling a bit softer around the edges again, after enjoying such delights as strawberry vodka cheesecake and pickled fish during the filming of Northern Exposure.

"After the three months on the road in the Baltics and Sweden, we need to practise what we preach a bit really," Mr Myers, 57, confessed. "We've both put half a stone on and need to shift it."

The busy pair have also released a new cookbook, The Hairy Bikers' Meat Feasts, in which they celebrate meaty recipes, from shepherd's pie and chilli con carne, to pies and curries.