Dave Myers, one-half of the beloved British cooking duo known as the Hairy Bikers, has become a hugely popular television personality and author in the world of food and cookery over the past couple decades. With his infectious enthusiasm, down-to-earth personality, and great rapport with cooking partner Si King, Myers has garnered a loyal following of fans who tune in to their shows for the pair’s recipes, road trips, and banter. But how did the Hairy Bikers become such household names in Great Britain and beyond? What exactly is Dave Myers famous for?
What TV Shows Have the Hairy Bikers Hosted?
Myers and King have hosted numerous hit television shows focused on food, cookery, and travel since 2004. Their first show established them as stars:
The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook
This 2004 BBC Two documentary series followed Myers and King as they traveled around Europe on their motorbikes, sampling regional cuisines and collecting recipes. The show was a surprise hit and launched the Bikers to fame.
The Hairy Bikers Ride Again, Further Adventures, and Chicken & Egg
Following the success of their debut, the Hairy Bikers were brought back for more installments of their food and travel show formula in 2006, 2009, and 2010. These shows saw them continue their culinary adventures in Europe and beyond.
The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain
This smash hit 2010 BBC Two series had the Bikers traverse Britain, celebrating regional foods and showing what truly makes British food great. The show resonated with audiences seeking both nostalgia and culinary inspiration.
The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure
This 2011 series brought Myers and King through Asia, where they explored cuisines and cultures from countries like Thailand, Japan, and India. It showed their skill at adapting to very different ingredients and cooking methods.
The Hairy Bikers’ Mississippi Adventure, American Road Trip, and Route 66
The Bikers brought their winning formula to the U.S. with these shows that had them cooking and traveling through the American South, broader parts of America, and the iconic Route 66 highway. Their infectious personalities translated well for American audiences.
The Hairy Bikers’ Bakeation
In this popular 2014 BBC Two show, Myers and King focused specifically on baking as they took another tour through Britain and Ireland. Fans loved seeing the Bikers apply their cookery skills to sweets and baked goods.
The Hairy Bikers’ Northern Exposure, Mediterranean Adventure, and World Tour
In these mid-2010s series, the Bikers expanded their horizons even further, with tours and recipes inspired by Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, and a broader world tour. Their culinary curiosity and engagement showed no signs of waning.
Along with these and other shows and specials, the Hairy Bikers also served as presenters on the BBC’s flagship cooking show The Best of British Takeaways in 2014 and 2015. Their immense popularity and relatability made them a natural choice to celebrate British cooking.
How Successful Have the Hairy Bikers’ Cookbooks Been?
In addition to their popular television programmes, the Hairy Bikers have published numerous acclaimed cookbooks over the years, many of which have become big-sellers:
- The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook (2006) – Their first book compiled recipes from their debut show. It became a huge success and sparked their cookbook empire.
- Mums Know Best (2007) – Focusing on comfort foods and family recipes, this book also became a major bestseller.
- The Hairy Bikers Ride Again (2009) – Companion book to their second TV series was another big hit in the UK and beyond.
- The Hairy Dieters (2010) – This diet-focused book was massively popular, highlighting the Bikers’ skill at everyday, accessible cooking.
- Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain (2012) – Capitalized on their biggest TV hit by collecting recipes and foods from across Britain.
- The Hairy Bikers’ Perfect Pies (2013) – Focused book dedicated just to savory and sweet pies was another huge seller.
- The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure (2012) – Shared recipes from their Asian TV trip. Became biggest selling cookbook of the year.
- The Hairy Bikers’ Chicken & Egg (2010) – Another spinoff from a TV series, this book about cooking chicken and eggs in every way possible also sold remarkably well.
- The Hairy Bikers’ Mediterranean Adventure (2016) – Book compiling recipes from their Mediterranean TV series. Continued run of bestsellers.
- The Hairy Bikers’ British Classics (2017) – Showcased timeless British dishes. Proved the Bikers’ ability to still produce major hits.
With their books consistently selling strongly, Myers and King have shown their skill as writers and compilers of accessible, people-pleasing recipes.
What Other Media Appearances Have Boosted Myers’ Fame?
Beyond their signature television shows and books, Myers has stayed in the public eye in Great Britain through appearances on other popular TV programmes over the years:
- The Little Paris Kitchen (2012) – Myers guest starred on an episode of this Rachel Khoo cooking show, highlighting his broad fame.
- Would I Lie to You? (2013) – Myers’ appearance on the hit comedy panel show let fans see his personality and humor outside of cooking shows.
- Sunday Brunch (Multiple) – The Hairy Bikers have made many appearances on this weekend morning chat and cooking show to banter, cook, and promote their work.
- The Great British Bake Off (Multiple) – Myers served as a guest judge multiple times on Britain’s biggest cooking competition, lending his expertise.
- The Chase Celebrity Special (Multiple) – Myers has taken several turns as a contestant on this hit quiz show, showing his intelligence and general knowledge.
- Who Do You Think You Are? (2015) – This genealogy show researched Myers’ family ancestry, revealing more about the beloved Biker’s roots.
- Harry Hill’s Tea Time (2016) – An appearance on this comedy/talk show further highlighted Myers’ wit and media skills beyond cooking.
How Has Myers Made an Impact Outside of TV?
Beyond his prolific television and literary career, Myers has stayed committed to various charitable and philanthropic causes over the years:
- In 2008, Myers embarked on a 5,000 mile charity motorcycle ride across Europe with King to raise money for children’s hospices. Their journey raised over £250,000.
- That same year, Myers competed on celebrity edition of The Apprentice to earn money for charity. His appearance helped raise over £400,000.
- In 2012, Myers and King went on a charity ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats to generate money and awareness for prostate cancer, a cause Myers has been especially dedicated to.
- Also in 2012, Myers became an ambassador for Learning at the Table, a charity focused on teaching schoolchildren cooking skills and nutrition. He remains an active ambassador today.
- In 2013, Myers participated in a decorated charity bike ride that raised £50,000 for Breast Cancer Care. Cancer charities have been a frequent focus of his charitable work.
- The Hairy Bikers have also supported Action Against Hunger, releasing a charity Christmas single in 2015 to support the organization’s efforts.
Overall, Myers’ extensive charity and cause-related efforts demonstrate his commitment to giving back and making a difference. His contributions have been far-reaching.
What Has Si King Said About Myers’ Appeal?
As the other half of the Hairy Bikers, Si King has had an inside look at what makes his cooking partner Dave Myers so beloved by audiences. King has highlighted Myers’ innate curiosity and Everyman persona as keys to his appeal:
“Dave has always been able to talk to anyone. He’s really interested in people and has amazing childlike curiosity. He’s always asking questions.”
King also notes that Myers comes off as someone viewers could easily imagine themselves being friends with:
“Dave is just a lovely, warm, genuine bloke. He’s the sort of person viewers imagine they’d love to go for a pint with down the pub.”
Ultimately, King says it’s that friendliness, combined with the pair’s obvious on-screen chemistry and shared sense of fun, that makes Myers and the Bikers so enjoyable to watch:
“When we cook together, Dave makes people feel like they’re hanging out with a couple of old friends who happen to know how to cook. It’s a winning formula.”
Coming from his long-time cooking partner, this insight helps capture Myers’ essence and magnetism.
What Do Critics and Fans Say About Myers’ Appeal?
Both professional critics and everyday viewers have plenty to say about what makes Dave Myers such a beloved figure. Reviewers point to his hearty public persona and self-deprecating humor as key assets:
“What’s always made him likeable is that he comes across as an everyday bloke who realizes he’s not a celebrity chef.” – Daily Mail review
“Myers displays an easy, unpretentious charm…he seems like he’d be the best kind of dinner guest.” – Metro critique
Meanwhile, Hairy Bikers fans highlight how they enjoy Myers’ humor and feel like they’re learning from a friend rather than just another TV host:
“Dave makes cooking approachable and fun. His jokes and banter keep every episode lively.” – Facebook fan page comment
“You can’t help but adore him. Watching his shows is like cooking with your best mate.” – Twitter fan comment
“He teaches without ever talking down to you. I always learn new things from the Bikers.” Reddit fan discussion
These perspectives from all angles help show how Myers’ humor, heart, and rapport with audiences have made him so beloved.
Conclusion: An Accessible, Everyman TV Personality
From his early TV travails with Si King through to his current status as a national icon, Dave Myers has made his mark on British cooking and culture. While his recipes and food knowledge help explain the Hairy Bikers’ success, it’s Myers’ persona that has truly made him famous. With his working-class Northern background, unpretentious attitude, and cheeky but friendly humor, Myers comes across as an approachable Everyman who loves both cooking and people.
Rather than an untouchable celebrity chef, he’s the cooking-obsessed friend viewers wish they had. This innate relatability, combined with his chemistry with Si King and natural media skills, is what Myers should be proudest of as he reflects on his decades in the limelight. The Hairy Biker has become a familiar face and kitchen resource in households across Britain and beyond, and for good reason. When people ask “What is Dave Myers famous for?” the answer is clear: being the consummate food-loving people person we’d all love to cook a meal with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dave Myers and the Hairy Bikers
How did Dave Myers and Si King first meet?
Dave Myers and Si King met in 1995 while working as TV production managers at a television studio in Birmingham. They bonded over their shared love of motorbikes, cuisine, and travel. Their instant rapport soon led to a strong friendship and work partnership.
Where did the name ‘Hairy Bikers’ come from?
The duo was given the nickname “Hairy Bikers” early in their TV careers based on their shaggy hairstyles and beard, as well as their passion for travelling by motorcycle. They soon embraced the catchy moniker.
What was the pair’s first TV show?
Myers and King’s first show was 2004’s The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook, which had them traveling through Europe by motorbike collecting recipes. Its popularity established them on the TV map.
Which Hairy Bikers book has sold the most copies?
2010’s The Hairy Dieters is the Bikers’ bestselling book, having sold over 1.2 million copies total. Their cookbooks Mums Know Best and Perfect Pies have also each sold over 1 million copies.
How many TV shows have the Hairy Bikers hosted?
Since their debut in 2004, Myers and King have hosted over 25 TV cookery series and specials, primarily for the BBC. Some of their biggest hits include The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain and The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure.
Has either of the Hairy Bikers done TV work alone?
While they are best known as a duo, both Myers and King have made select solo TV appearances over the years, including Myers’ stints on shows like Would I Lie to You? and The Great British Bake Off.
What health issues has Dave Myers faced?
In 2018, Myers revealed he had been diagnosed with glaucoma several years prior, requiring ongoing treatment. In 2022, he disclosed he was undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. He has maintained an upbeat outlook during treatment.
How many cookbooks have the Bikers published together?
Myers and King have published over 20 cookbooks together, including TV show tie-in books as well as original works like the bestselling Hairy Dieters book. Their cookbooks have sold millions of copies in total.
Do the Hairy Bikers run a restaurant?
While they have made guest appearances at restaurants, the Bikers themselves don’t currently run any eateries. They focus their efforts on television, books, live tours, and other media projects.