Hairy Bikers’ Dave Myers shares emotional health update and details diet changes after cancer treatment

Virgin Radio

7 Feb 2024, 09:54

Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers has shared more details about how his life has changed since being diagnosed with cancer. 

The TV chef first revealed he was being treated for cancer in May 2022 and took time away from the small screen while receiving chemotherapy. 

Dave made a triumphant return to telly work in December 2022, and went back to filming the Hairy Biker franchise with longtime friend and co-star Simon King. 

During the first episode of Hairy Bikers Go West, which aired yesterday (6th February), the food expert admitted that he was diagnosed with anorexia after struggling to gain weight while in treatment. 

Thankfully, Dave’s weight has since stabilised, but as he explained on the BBC Two series, his journey back to health hasn't been easy.

While sharing a meal together, Si turned the conversation to Dave’s health journey, and told his pal: “You've had it pretty rough…”

Dave responded: “You lose weight, a lot of it, and you're desperately trying to get the calories in and it's hard. It's really hard.

“At one point I was diagnosed as anorexic. Can you believe it after all the dieting we've done? But yeah, I'm doing alright now, I'm living with it. My weight's stable so whatever I'm doing, I'll carry on with it.”

While weight was an issue Dave had to tackle, another was a potential loss of balance which can occur with chemotherapy, which would have spelled the end of his motorcycle riding days. 

He revealed: “When I was told I was ill, I never thought I'd ride a motorcycle again. But we're doing it!

“There was a time when I couldn't balance, I couldn't walk. I didn't think I'd be getting on a bike. But I'm sound as a pound mate.”

He continued: “I've still got my foot in a splint to change gear but it works. It's joyous. I love the whole paraphernalia with the bike, the smell of the bike. It's a dream come true, Kingy. I appreciate it so much.”

The Hairy Bikers Go West airs on Tuesdays at 7pm. Catch up on BBC iPlayer.