Hairy Bikers star Si King has revealed he has found love again, two years after the death of his beloved best friend and TV partner Dave Myers. The 59-year-old has opened up about his new relationship, describing his girlfriend as a “very special lady” and admitting he is now “very happy”.
New relationship brings happiness
Speaking to The Sunday Times Magazine, Si said: “It's been wonderful and continues to be wonderful. And you know, I think the lads [his sons] are really happy, as is my ex-wife Jane, actually.”
Si was previously married to Jane Dodd, with the pair separating in 2016 after 27 years together. His career was cited as one of the reasons for the breakdown of their marriage, with the demands of his work meaning he spent long periods away from home.
Reflecting on family and career
The TV star has since admitted he wasn't “present” for many years and acknowledged the impact that had on his family life. But his professional partnership with Dave went from strength to strength, with the pair becoming household names as they travelled around Europe making their popular food shows.
Dave died aged 66 in February 2024 after being diagnosed with cancer two years earlier. He underwent chemotherapy and other treatment before his death.
Grief and continuing work
His passing left Si devastated and, at one point, he admitted he considered “riding into the sunset” and cutting himself off from everyone.
The Hairy Bikers came to an end following Dave's death, but Si has continued working as he attempts to deal with his grief. Earlier this month, he admitted that grief remains a “constant surprise” and said he “doesn't know what else to do” other than keep working.
He said: “I'm all right. I mean, look, it's challenging and I continue to work probably too hard, but I kind of don't know what else to do.”
Si has also spoken about feeling guilty during the first year without his best mate. Appearing on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, he said: “The first year, I didn't want to do anything at all.
“I just didn't have it in me and then when I was shooting the show, I felt a sense of guilt that I was doing something that when he wasn't there.
“It was a very odd experience, because I was having to remember and deliver pieces to camera that I'd go 'ah you can do this'.”
