By admin 
Si King, the surviving member of the internationally acclaimed culinary duo The Hairy Bikers, has confirmed he has entered a new romantic relationship as he navigates the complex process of rebuilding his life following the death of his lifelong friend and professional partner, Dave Myers. The revelation comes more than two years after Myers first announced his cancer diagnosis and several months after his passing in February 2024, an event that left King contemplating a permanent withdrawal from public life.
In a candid reflection on his current emotional state, King shared that he has found companionship with a woman named Milly, whom he described as a "very special lady." This development marks a significant turning point for the 57-year-old chef, who had previously admitted to feeling "lost" and considering a quiet retirement away from the spotlight—a move he colloquially described as "riding into the sunset." The news of his new relationship has reportedly been met with warmth and support from his immediate family, including his three sons and his former wife, Jane Dodd.
The End of a Definitive Partnership
The partnership between Si King and Dave Myers was more than a professional collaboration; it was a cornerstone of British lifestyle television for two decades. The duo, known for their infectious chemistry, large motorcycles, and hearty approach to global cuisine, first appeared on screens in 2004 with The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook. Over the subsequent 20 years, they produced over 30 separate television series and specials, ranging from The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain to The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure.
The professional synergy between the two men was grounded in a genuine friendship that predated their fame. They met in the 1990s while working on the set of a TV drama—Myers as a makeup artist specializing in prosthetics and King as a locations manager. Their shared love for motorcycles and regional ingredients formed the basis of a brand that would eventually sell millions of cookbooks and become a staple of BBC programming.
The dissolution of this partnership began in May 2022, when Dave Myers publicly disclosed that he was undergoing treatment for cancer. While he opted not to specify the type of cancer he was fighting, he was transparent about the grueling nature of his treatment, which included more than 30 rounds of chemotherapy. Despite his illness, Myers remained committed to his craft, filming the final series, The Hairy Bikers Go West, which aired shortly before and after his death at the age of 66.
A Chronology of Loss and Recovery
The timeline of Dave Myers’ illness and Si King’s subsequent journey through grief highlights the public nature of their private struggles.
- May 2022: Dave Myers announces his cancer diagnosis on the Agony Uncles podcast, stating he would be taking a break from filming and public appearances to focus on his health.
- 2023: Myers makes sporadic returns to the screen, appearing on Saturday Kitchen and documenting his efforts to get back on his motorcycle despite the physical toll of chemotherapy.
- February 28, 2024: Si King releases a statement confirming that Dave Myers passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife, Liliana, his family, and King himself.
- Spring 2024: King enters a period of relative seclusion, admitting in later interviews that the loss of his "best mate" had left him questioning his future in the culinary and television industries.
- Late 2024: King reveals his relationship with Milly, signaling a move toward personal recovery and a tentative return to public engagement.
During an interview with The Sunday Times magazine, King articulated the depth of his isolation following the loss. He explained that his initial reaction was a desire to be "left alone" and to cut off communication with the outside world. This period of withdrawal was characterized by a profound sense of displacement, as the identity he had forged over 20 years was inextricably linked to the man he had lost.
Personal Sacrifices and Family Support
The transition into this new chapter of life is also shaped by King’s past personal history. He was married to Jane Dodd for 27 years before the couple separated in 2016. King has been open about the fact that the relentless pace of the Hairy Bikers’ career—often involving months of international travel—contributed significantly to the breakdown of his marriage.
Reflecting on those years, King noted, "It’s about being present, and I think for very many years I wasn’t present. And my home life suffered." The lessons learned from that period appear to be informing his current approach to his relationship with Milly. He emphasized that his current happiness is shared by his three sons—Alex, James, and Dylan—and, notably, by his ex-wife, Jane. This harmonious family dynamic suggests a successful navigation of the complexities of post-divorce and post-bereavement life.
While King continues to work, he admits that he may still be "working too hard" as a coping mechanism. "I kind of don’t know what else to do," he confessed, highlighting the common struggle of those in high-profile, high-pressure careers when faced with significant personal upheaval.
Liliana Myers and the Public Discourse on Grief
While Si King has found a path toward new love, Dave Myers’ widow, Liliana "Lili" Myers, has become a prominent voice in the public discourse surrounding grief and recovery. Liliana, who met Dave in 2005 while he was filming in Romania and married him in 2011, has utilized social media to document her journey as a "widow in progress."
Her experience has not been without conflict. Recently, she was forced to address online trolls who criticized her for being too vocal about her sadness, with some commenters suggesting she should "get on with life." Liliana’s response was a poignant defense of the non-linear nature of mourning. She clarified that her posts are intended for those "living through loss" and "trying to adjust to a life they never asked for."
Her advocacy highlights a broader societal issue: the expectation for public figures and their families to "move on" within a specific timeframe. Liliana’s refusal to adhere to these expectations has garnered significant support from the Hairy Bikers’ fanbase, many of whom have expressed gratitude for her honesty in articulating the "anger, fear, guilt, and loneliness" that accompany the death of a spouse.
The Broader Impact on the Culinary Industry
The Hairy Bikers were unique in the British culinary landscape because they bridged the gap between professional chef culture and the everyday home cook. Their focus was rarely on "fine dining" but rather on the social and emotional connections forged through food. This legacy makes Si King’s personal recovery a matter of significant interest to the industry.
Industry analysts suggest that King’s decision to remain in the public eye, albeit in a modified capacity, is vital for the brand’s legacy. While the "Hairy Bikers" as a duo can never be replicated, King’s individual brand—built on authenticity and emotional intelligence—remains strong. His openness about grief and his eventual finding of new happiness resonates with a demographic that has grown up alongside the duo.
Furthermore, the Hairy Bikers’ influence on men’s health awareness cannot be understated. Following Dave’s diagnosis, the duo became unintentional advocates for cancer awareness and the importance of support systems. Si King’s current journey continues this narrative, providing a roadmap for men navigating bereavement and the complexities of finding love later in life.
Future Outlook and Legacy
As Si King moves forward with Milly, the future of his career remains a topic of speculation. While he has hinted at new projects, the shadow of his partnership with Dave Myers remains a defining element of his public persona. The "Hairy Bikers" name is associated with over 20 cookbooks and a vast library of television content that continues to be broadcast globally.
The transition from a legendary double act to a solo performer is a path few have navigated successfully in the culinary world. However, King’s recent interviews suggest a man who is prioritizing emotional well-being over commercial expansion. By acknowledging his new partner and the support of his family, he is signaling a shift toward a more balanced life—one where he can honor the memory of his friend while allowing himself the space to grow.
In conclusion, the story of Si King’s new relationship is more than a tabloid headline; it is a study in resilience and the human capacity to find light after a period of profound darkness. As he and Liliana Myers continue to process their loss in their respective ways, they remain a source of inspiration for millions who have followed the Hairy Bikers’ journey from the very beginning. The legacy of Dave Myers lives on not just in recipes and reruns, but in the strength of those he left behind to find happiness once again.
