Si King Reflects on His Journey and Loss
The wider picture
Si King, born in Kibblesworth, Gateshead, is best known as one half of the popular cooking duo, The Hairy Bikers. Alongside his partner, Dave Myers, the pair traveled an impressive 650,000 miles while filming their culinary adventures. Their journey began in the early 1990s when they first met on the set of a Catherine Cookson TV drama. Over the years, they developed their show concept, which took about three years to get commissioned.
In a recent appearance on the BBC’s Desert Island Discs, Si King reflected on his life and the profound impact of losing his long-time partner, Dave Myers, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 66 due to cancer. King described his grief as private, stating, “We grieved at the stovetop,” highlighting the deep bond they shared not only as colleagues but as close friends.
During his Desert Island Discs episode, King selected eight of his favorite tracks, including The Chieftains’ “Boil the Breakfast Early,” which he chose to remind him of his parents. This selection illustrates how personal experiences and memories have shaped his life and career. King’s father died when he was just eight years old, which led to food becoming a coping mechanism for him and his mother.
Following Myers’ death, the first-ever Dave Day was held in 2024 to honor his legacy. King described the event as “pretty cathartic,” emphasizing that it was a simple expression of love and affection for Myers and their collective work as The Hairy Bikers. He noted, “It was all about the fight [against Myers’ condition], and keeping it [life] going, keeping the wheels on as far as we could, because clearly, they had come off.” This statement reflects the challenges they faced during Myers’ illness and the resilience they demonstrated throughout their partnership.
Si King’s journey has not been without its challenges. He was sent to Weight Watchers by his mother after gaining weight, and he has openly discussed his struggles with health. At the age of eight, he weighed eight stone, and by ten, he had reached ten stone. These experiences have shaped his approach to cooking and health, which he often shares with his audience.
In a lighter moment, King recounted a humorous incident during his recovery, where it took him two and a half hours to make a cup of tea. He also mentioned experiencing 18 months of fatigue after his operation, which further illustrates the personal battles he has faced beyond his professional life.
As Si King continues to navigate life without his partner, he remains committed to honoring Myers’ memory through their shared passion for cooking and storytelling. Observers note that King’s resilience and dedication to their craft will likely inspire many as he forges ahead, keeping the spirit of The Hairy Bikers alive.