Tributes have been paid from the borough to one half of the Hairy Bikers Dave Myers – who brought crowds to the Bolton Food and Drink Festival.

It comes as TV chef Dave died aged 66, according to a statement from his co-star Si King on social media.

He found fame alongside King, his friend of 30 years, as part of the motorcycle-riding cooking duo.

Si King and Dave Myers have been a regular fixture on the menu at Bolton’s Food and Drink festival, with Boltonians loving their mix of tasty recipes, no-nonsense banter and Northern humour.

The Bolton News:

Cllr Linda Thomas says she is sad to hear of his passing, after the Hairy Bikers brought so much to Bolton for the festival.

She said: “R.I.P Dave Myers.

“We send our condolences.

“We always enjoyed seeing them at the Food and Drink Festival, and they were a very important part of it.

“Everybody loves them and it’s so sad.

“They were a very popular attraction and helped bring in crowds to Bolton because of who they were.”

They also switched on the Christmas lights in Bolton in 2012, where they also performed their show Larger than Live, which included a  mixture of recipes, jokes and stories from their travels at the Albert Halls.

Leader of the council Nick Peel has also passed his condolences on to Dave's family, and Si King.

He said: "The Hairy Bikers were instrumental in the past years for the continuous growth of Bolton Food and Drink Festival, and along with the other celebrity chefs, helped put Bolton on the map.

"Last year over half a million people attended and took part, and we thank the Hairy Bikers for their contribution.

The Bolton News: When the Hairy Bikers came to the Food and Drink Festival in 2009When the Hairy Bikers came to the Food and Drink Festival in 2009 "This is a lasting legacy for Dave in terms of the contribution they made as the festival grew."

The council have also paid tributes to Dave whose "warmth, humour and love of good food were always a hit with the audience".

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, said: “Everyone at Bolton Council is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dave Myers and my thoughts are with his family and close friends at this difficult time.

“The Hairy Bikers have been a fixture at our Food and Drink Festival for many years, and Dave’s warmth, humour and love of good food were always a hit with the audience.

The Bolton News: The Christmas light switch on in Bolton in 2012The Christmas light switch on in Bolton in 2012 “From his first appearance alongside Si King in 2009, Dave would go on to make four appearances at the festival and the pair have always been a pleasure to work with.

“He will be greatly missed by his many fans here in Bolton.”

Dave reached new fans in 2013 when he took part in Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with Karen Hauer and reaching week seven of the BBC competition.

Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, first announced he was receiving treatment for cancer in May 2022, but did not specify what type he had been diagnosed with.

Hi everyone, I’m afraid I bear some sad news. Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years. Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home. All… pic.twitter.com/VwoZkm8TJI

The statement from Si said: ”I’m afraid I bear some sad news. Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years.

“Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home.

“All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own.

“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.”

Dave started his working life as a make-up artist and first met King in 1995 while working on a TV drama called The Gambling Man.

Their first TV appearance together was The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook in 2004, which was part cooking show and part travel programme and in the first episode the duo rode the length of Portugal.

Subsequent shows included The Hairy Bikers Ride Again, The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour Of Britain, The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best, The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Off and Hairy Bikers: Best of British.

Si also shared his thanks to the fans who have shared messages of support in recent times and asked that his family and close friends be given time to process the loss.

They have published more than 25 cookery books.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.