Hairy Biker Dave Myers has died at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer.

The former Kent-based celebrity opened up on his health problems two years ago.

The chef, who used to live in Rodmersham, found fame alongside Si King as they travelled around the county sampling and cooking food.

Mr King, 57, released a statement on social media about the heartbreaking loss.

He 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, 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.

“I know Dave and his family would want me to thank all of you who sent messages of support in recent times. It meant the world to him, his family and all The Hairy Bikers team.

“I am sending you all much love and gratitude for those simple acts of kindness, generosity and spirit. We are eternally grateful for them.

“May I ask you all for one further kindness and allow Lili, his wife, his family, close friends and I some time and some peace to process our huge loss. I am sure I will see you all soon. Love Si x”

When he was a student, Dave worked in a steelworks to help finance his studies in fine arts. He later joined the BBC as a make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics.

In 1995, Myers met his long-time co-presenter King on the set of a TV drama, and they went on to build a friendship and successful career together.

Speaking on the duo’s BBC show last year about his condition, Dave, who most recently lived in Barrow-in-Furness, said: “When I first got the call, what went through my mind was disbelief, and a refusal to believe it in a way. It's the word, isn't it, the word that everybody fears.”

He continued: “'The first lot of chemo was very, very destructive.

“You don't realise what an impact it can have, the debilitating effects kick in quite quickly.

“My sense of taste and appetite went, I was poorly, you see your weight drop and you've got to eat, but it's finding something you want to eat. I had sores in my mouth. I would fall over quite a lot.

“By the second lot of chemo, my hair came out. It really is quite radical, it's not a gradual moulting, your hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, everything just goes.

“It was all about survival, getting through from one week to the next.”