It's difficult to fathom that more than a year has passed since the world bid farewell to one half of the beloved Hairy Bikers, Dave Myers. The television chef, who also captured hearts during his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, passed away in February 2024 after a brave fight against cancer.

Despite being candid about his cancer battle, it has emerged that he was quietly enduring something in "secret". His wife, Liliana Myers, has revealed there was considerable "pain" that remained hidden from public view, particularly during Dave's final chapter with the Hairy Bikers, which she has now shared in a poignant Facebook post.

Liliana penned: "Heads up...BBC have been in touch to say they have planned in a repeat run of the 7-epsiode series 'The Hairy Bikers Go West' from Tuesday, July 15 July at 7pm. This is Dave's last series, filmed while he was in treatment... the one I couldn't bring my self to watch."

She continued: "I talk about this in my book 'Dave and Me', about the effort, the pain, the suffering he was going through while working on this series...but also about his joy of doing what he loved one more time."

The widow added, "For many reasons, this series is heartbreaking for me to watch, as I know how unwell he was and what a superhuman effort he made to finish the series. But also, I'll never forget the look on his face once filming was done. He knew it would be his last...my brave man!" Since Liliana shared the post, it has garnered thousands of likes and a wave of supportive comments. Admirers have been quick to praise Dave as a "lovely man".

One heartfelt message stated: "I watched the series a couple of times with my dad and cried my way through the last few episodes. A tremendous testament to Dave's courage, determination and his huge personality."

Another said: "You can see in their faces the pain they are both going through knowing that things will change permanently and soon. It's a masterpiece at the end of the Hairy Bikers reign. Your Dave was a life force and a very brave one too."

A third person responded: "Oh Liliana, it must be difficult for you to watch. I watched it all and loved it, but found it very moving to see how emotional the boys were throughout!".

"Always loved and followed them from the start and can't quite believe Dave has left us! He is truly missed by all of us, but especially you and Simon. But we have lovely memories of him and he will never be forgotten."

Dave's romance with his future wife began in Romania during the filming of The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook, where he was enchanted by a delightful hotel employee who would eventually become his life partner.

Despite the distance between them, their relationship flourished, and her visit to the UK saw their companionship turn into a romantic bond. His partner fondly recalled: "I was blown away by one tiny little thing."

She continued, sharing a cherished memory: "He picked me up from the airport. It was about midnight and he opened the fridge and he said, 'What do you want me to cook for you?'"

Her astonishment at his gesture was clear: "I'd never ever in my life had a man cook for me. So that was the very first thing that just hit me. I was visiting as a friend, but from that moment on my heart just melted."

Tragically, Dave passed away at 66, leaving a legacy filled with charm and culinary exploration. Liliana has since shared her profound sense of loss, and many fans have extended their sympathies online.

Liliana has written a book titled 'Dave and Me', detailing her life with Dave and coping with his absence. It is now available for purchase.