Hairy biker Si King has shared the emotional moment he saw his co-star Dave Myers reach a major milestone during his cancer treatment.
The 57-year-old celebrity chef told how overwhelmed he was when he saw Dave overtake him on his motorbike while they were filming the new series of their show.
It is the first time since Dave's cancer diagnosis in 2022 that the presenting duo has started filming their cooking program again.
Ahead of The Hairy Bikers Go West, which was filmed while Dave was still undergoing treatment, Si said the focus was on getting back on the bikes.
Dave, 66, was treated as they spent several weeks driving 600 miles from Scotland to Devon in the west of the country.
Hairy biker Si King (left) has shared the emotional moment he saw his co-star Dave Myers (right) reach a major milestone during his cancer treatment
Si said: “Our focus, and Dave's focus in particular, was to get on the bike, start filming and bring a level of normality back to him, his family, myself and the crew.”
“That’s what he’s been working towards and that’s what got him through this particular part of his treatment.”
“There was a beautiful moment on the first day of filming when Dave passed me on the street on his bike and it was great, it was like 'Oh, he's back.'” It was really emotional.
“It's a series we'll always remember.” We feel very privileged to do what we do and I think that's because of Dave's health and his absolute determination and love for what he does does, was generally something very special.
“Continuing it through treatment, in particular, took remarkable courage and energy – and will help ensure that Dave and I will not forget it.”
“The level of support and kindness shown to Dave and I throughout was fantastic.”
Dave also returns to the county in which he was born – his birthplace Barrow-in-Furness has transformed from historic Lancashire to Cumbia – and it was this connection that led them to choose the west of Britain for the seven-part series , in which the producers meet and taste food.
The 57-year-old celebrity chef told how overwhelmed he was when he saw Dave (left) overtake him on his motorbike while they were filming the new series of their show
Si added: “Dave is a West Coast boy and we had a lot of fun visiting some of his old haunts and our favorite places. “It was so joyful because it's Dave's favorite, it was great.”
In May 2022, Dave revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy.
In December, Dave left viewers in tears as he gave an emotional health update during The Hairy Bikers' Christmas special.
He gave an overview of his diagnosis while also explaining the reason why he has not publicly shared the type of cancer he was diagnosed with.
While much of the festive special focused on his love of food, Dave also shared insight into his recent battle with cancer, which included unreleased clips of his hospital treatment.
When Dave talked about the moment he found out he had cancer, he recalled receiving a call from his doctor while driving on the highway in France.
“I can't remember the rest of the drive home, it was like everything collapsed around us,” his wife Liliana added.
In December, Dave left viewers in tears as he gave an emotional health update during The Hairy Bikers' Christmas special
“It's like, 'Where do we go from here?'” Dave continued. “When I first got the call, disbelief went through my mind and in some ways I refused to believe it.
“It's the word, isn't it? The word everyone fears.”
He added that the moment it “got real” was when Dave first went for chemotherapy, before it “got real” when he lost all his hair.
“The first chemotherapy treatment was very, very destructive,” Dave said, recalling how an oncologist told him that he would be pushed “to the brink of disease.”
“You don’t realize the impact it can have, the debilitating effects come on pretty quickly.”
“My sense of taste and appetite have decreased, I've been feeling unwell, you can see your weight coming off and you need to eat, but it's about finding something you want to eat.” I had sores in my mouth. I would fall over quite often.'
“It has been difficult and it is hard to imagine him struggling physically with the effects of the treatment,” Liliana added.
“During the second round of chemotherapy my hair fell out. “It's quite radical really, it's not a gradual molt, your hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, it all just goes away,” Dave continued.
He gave an overview of his current diagnosis while also explaining the reason why he has not publicly disclosed the type of cancer he was diagnosed with
While much of the special focused on his and his pal Si's love of food, Dave also shared insight into his battle with cancer, including unreleased clips of his hospital treatment
Later in the special, Dave shared an update on his health and revealed that he was able to get back on his bike for another road trip with his pal Si King
Dave's emotional update left many viewers teary-eyed, with some praising the host for being so open about his battle with cancer
“It was just about survival, about getting through from one week to the next.”
Later in the special, Dave revealed that he was able to get back on his bike for another road trip with his pal Si.
He said: “My legs are going, the grin, I feel like a hysterical teenager again.” I'll call Kingy. This means we can take to the streets together again.”
After his 37th round of chemotherapy, viewers witnessed the emotional moment when Dave got back on his bike for the first time.
Si said, “I knew I had gotten my husband back.” It was like a miracle had happened because we thought he would never do it again. But he does.
“I was jumping for joy, not for any other reason, but to see my best buddy do what he does.”
Dave's emotional update left many viewers teary-eyed, with some praising the host for being so open about his battle with cancer.
One wrote: “Dave Myers – back on the bike. What a moment,” while a second added: “I saw #thehairybikers come home for Christmas.” A tribute to food, friendship and overcoming cancer . “Cooking Christmas dinner for all the people who helped Dave Myers on his cancer journey.”
“The food was his love for these people.” “It's worth watching on iPlayer,” wrote a third.
One viewer gushed: “I enjoyed The Hairy Bikers and their Christmas show.” There's no doubt Dave Myers has had a very difficult time.
“A small part of me wonders if a normal mortal had cancer at the same time, would they have received the same treatment on the NHS?”
“The Hairy Bikers Christmas Special actually makes me feel a little better. “Cancer sucks, I’m glad Dave Myers is doing well,” one fan wrote.
Another tweeted: “A fabulous and emotional watch.” The Hairy Bikers cover Dave Myers' journey from chemotherapy to feasting. Wish him all the best.'
“It's very uplifting but also heartbreaking to watch @HairyBikers right now and see the wonderful Dave Myers, who looks similar but better than me and is going through a similar journey. “I understand his pain, literally. I wish I could eat like him, and I really need to do that…soon!' a fan added.
“I'm crying here – a little embarrassed, to be honest.” I enjoy watching the Hairy Bikers, but never really liked Dave Myers. Are you watching his courage now? “Incredible guy,” another shared.
One also wrote: “Simply unbelievable.” How the hell he coped with that I don't know. “I wouldn't have done that,” and one user continued: “Good to see Dave Myers back on our screens.”
“I grew up with the Hairy Bikers, so seeing Dave Myers' recent struggle with cancer is emotional, but I'm enjoying them hanging out, being themselves and cooking together again!” one fan added.
The Hairy Bikers Go West airs on Tuesday February 6th at 6pm on BBC Two.