Si King, one half of the beloved Hairy Bikers duo, is set to make a poignant return to television screens for his first solo project. This comes after the tragic death of his co-star and close friend, Dave Myers, who passed away in February 2024 following a two-year battle with cancer.
A New Journey on the Rails
Stepping away from the kitchen that made him famous, the self-confessed train enthusiast will front a new Channel 4 series titled Britain’s Favourite Railway Stations. The programme will see King explore the UK's extensive rail network, delving into the history and heart of these transport hubs. He will be joined by historian Siddy Holloway and architect Damion Burrows as they uncover the hidden worlds where heritage, technology, and local community life intersect.
This marks King's first television appearance since the emotionally charged special, The Hairy Bikers: You'll Never Walk Alone, which aired last year. That tribute was a heartfelt celebration of Dave Myers' life, described by many as an 'emotional ride' for both the presenter and the audience.
Honouring a Legacy and Moving Forward
In reflective comments about his profound loss, Si King has spoken openly about the nature of grief. ‘Grief comes and comes and goes and goes,’ he said. He feels a powerful duty to honour the legacy he built with Myers, stating it is ‘important that I honour the Bikers’ legacy’.
King confirmed that the Hairy Bikers series, as fans knew it, is now retired. Any future projects will be distinctly different without his long-time collaborator. ‘It would be different. That was Dave and I. He’s no longer with us. I would want it to be different. That’s very important,’ he explained.
He recalled the immense courage Myers showed during their final series together, after Dave called him with the devastating cancer diagnosis. ‘I could only admire the courage of the man... The last series... was a testament to his determination,’ King shared. ‘He wanted to feel like one of the Hairy Bikers again, and I think that kept him going.’
A Final Tribute and a Fond Farewell
For King, the upcoming railway series and the previous tribute special are part of preserving the memory of his best friend. ‘It’s my duty to look after his memory, to look after the legacy that he built,’ he said, describing Dave as a ‘joyous man’ who loved life.
He also revealed that the memorial programme was crucial not just for him, but for their loyal viewers. ‘It was important to celebrate the man and what he’s achieved. And it was important to give our audience a goodbye as well,’ King stated, calling the show an ‘exclamation mark’ on their brotherhood.
Sharing a lighter memory, King reminisced about the moment Dave met his future wife, Lil, hinting at the deep personal bond and shared history that defined their partnership both on and off the screen.
