BARROVIAN TV chef Dave Myers has died 66, his co star and 'best friend' Si King announced on Thursday (February 29).

David 'Dave' Myers became beloved as one half of the motorcycle-riding cooking duo, The Hairy Bikers, with fellow chef Simon 'Si' King.

He died aged 66 on Wednesday with his family and friends by his side after fighting cancer for the past couple of years.

Born in Barrow on September 8, 1957, he worked in a steelworks as a student to help finance his studies in fine arts. He later joined the BBC as a make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics.

In 1995, Myers met his co-presenter, King, on the set of a TV drama, and they went on to build a friendship and a successful career together, which spanned until the end of his life.

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 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.

Myers also competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 alongside professional dancer Karen Hauer.

After performing dances, including the salsa, jive and paso doble, the pair were voted off the competition in week seven.

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.

Myers 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.

In May 2022, Myers revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer and had been undergoing chemotherapy treatment. In January 2023, he appeared on the BBC Breakfast Show, announcing a new series of The Hairy Bikers TV show and giving an update on his continuing treatment.

Myers 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.