The first episode of Hairy Bikers following the death of Dave Myers last Wednesday (February 28) has gone to air on BBC Two.

Myers, best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers, died at the age of 66 last Wednesday night after a battle with cancer.

The other half of the Hairy Bikers - Si King, made the announcement of Myers' death last Thursday (February 29) on social media. 

King 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."

He also thanked all the fans for their kind messages and support over the past few years during Myers' battle with cancer.

Myers, 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.

Fans in tears as first episode of Hairy Bikers airs after Dave Myers' death

The first episode of Hairy Bikers Go West since Myers' death aired on BBC Two on Tuesday (March 5) night.

The Hairy Bikers Instagram account posted a message before the show saying "despite such sad times we know that Dave would have wanted you to continue to enjoy the magical series".

The post read: "The next episode of ‘Go West’ is on @bbctwo tonight. Despite such sad times we know that Dave would have wanted you to continue to enjoy the magical series that he shot with Si last year.

"We’d like to thank everyone from all over the world, who has reached out with messages of love and support over the last few days. Every one of them has been read and truly appreciated."

Fans watching the show were left in tears upon seeing King and Myers on screen together again not even a week after the latter's passing, taking to social media to share their emotions.

One person on X (formerly Twitter) said: "Watching the #HairyBikers Go West and am in tears. Sad to watch but so SO heartwarming to see the love between Si and Dave. The true definition of best friends x."

Another fan of the show added: "Made it through HairyBikers tonight without crying until they played Motorcycle Empitness."

A third user commented: "Watching this is tough. What a man."

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Another said: "How strange to be watching @HairyBikers knowing that Dave was alive a week ago and now is gone, but I right now I can hear his joy and pleasure in his food adventures and the people they were chatting to."

While a fifth onlooker added: "A tough watch for obvious reasons, but just such a beautiful celebration of their enduring friendship and obvious love for each other..."

You can catch up on past episodes of the Hairy Bikers on BBC iPlayer.