Strictly pro Karen Hauer, 42, was visibly moved as she paid tribute to Dave Myers during the show’s 20th anniversary celebrations on Saturday.
Myers, one half of the Hairy Bikers, died earlier this year aged 66 and was partnered with Hauer in the 2013 series of the legendary dance show.
To mark Strictly’s two decades on air, former and current members of the Strictly family gathered to reflect on the show’s history and those no longer with them.
In 2013, Myers traded his biker leathers for spats and threw himself into the Strictly competition with Hauer.
Despite harsh marking from the judges, the pair quickly became fan favourites and made it to Week Seven of the series.
Speaking about her “friend for life,” Hauer said Myers: “loved to make people happy.”
Myers and Hauer quickly became fan favourites
BBC
“He loved Strictly, he loved to dance,” the 42-year-old dancer added, her voice wavering with emotion.
She concluded simply, reflecting that Myers was: “Someone that meant a lot to me.”
Also remembering Myers, former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball marvelled: “What a gentleman!”
“He just made everything more fun. I will never forget him shaking his maracas,” she added, referencing the pairs classic Samba.
Hauer became emotional as she discussed Myers
BBC
Former head judge Len Goodman, who died in 2023 and was also remembered during Saturday’s show, seemed to understand the public love for Myers.
“You’re not the judges champion, maybe. But what’s better, you’re the people’s champion,” he praised to the couple in a clip shown during the show.
Myers died earlier this year after a two-year-long battle with an unspecified form of cancer.
The sad news was announced on social media by the other half of the beloved Hairy Bikers partnership, Si King.
King wrote that had Myers passed away peacefully at home surrounded by friends and family.
He told fans: “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.”
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The heartbroken biker and cook added: “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 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,” King concluded.
This Christmas, a special tribute show for Myers will be broadcast called You’ll Never Ride Alone.
The one-off will follow the touching memorial journey of some 45,000 bikers from London to Myers’ hometown of Barrow-on-Furness.
The documentary will also feature clips of the duo’s best moments, handpicked by King, from his and Myers’ 25-year career.