Si King on Grief, Friendship, and Finding New Tracks with ‘Britain’s Favorite Railway Stations’
Published: 2026/01/11 08:17:08
The television landscape has lost a beloved duo with the passing of Dave Myers, one half of the “Hairy Bikers.” But for Si King, life – and television – goes on, albeit with a profound sense of loss and a renewed outlook. King’s new More4 series, Britain’s Favourite Railway Stations, marks a significant shift in direction, a journey born from grief and a desire to honor the memory of his friend and partner of over three decades.
“It’s done,” King states with resolute finality. “That’s it.The Bikers were plural. There’s no Hairy Bikers without my mate.” This sentiment underscores the deep bond forged between King and Myers, a friendship that began in 1992 while working behind the scenes on a television drama – King as an assistant director, Myers as a makeup artist. Their shared passion for food and motorcycles blossomed into a remarkable 30-year on-screen partnership. [1]
The loss of Myers to cancer in 2024 has understandably left a void, but King is determined to move forward, cherishing the memories they created. “He doesn’t stop being your best mate just as he’s passed away. That’s never going to go. We were like brothers: we drove each other mad, because we were two very different people, but we absolutely adored each other.” He emphasizes that no one will ever replace Myers, stating, “I don’t want to look in the rear-view mirror of my motorcycle and see anyone else there.”
From Bikes and Bites to Tracks and Tales
The transition from exploring culinary landscapes on two wheels to celebrating Britain’s railway heritage might seem unexpected. Yet, King embraces this new chapter with characteristic enthusiasm. Britain’s Favourite Railway Stations represents a intentional departure from the familiar, a testament to King’s willingness to explore new passions while honoring the spirit of adventure that defined the Hairy bikers.
“You have to move forward, but the only way you can do that is by cherishing the memories,” King reflects.He and Myers logged an astonishing 650,000 miles together on their motorcycles – “more than to the Moon and back” – experiencing a whirlwind of adventures. He recalls their shared feeling of being “the two most overstimulated middle-aged men on the planet,” constantly finding themselves in unusual situations.
The impetus for this new series, though, extends beyond personal healing.King reveals a genuine appreciation for the role railways play in British life and a surprising personal connection to them.Contrary to popular perception, he’s a frequent train traveler, necessitated by family commitments and a preference for a more civilized mode of transport.“I’m constantly on trains! I do actually have children and a dog, so anytime I go anywhere I can’t use my bike, I’m on the railway.”
The Allure of the Railway
King’s interest with railways stems from a deeper appreciation for the stories they tell. He describes being captivated by the architecture, the atmosphere, and the diverse tapestry of people who pass through stations. “The architecture,the atmosphere,the movement of people,that grandeur from the Industrial Revolution… I loved standing there,whether it was York or Glasgow Central… and seeing the character and personality of wherever I was.”
This appreciation echoes a growing national interest in rail travel. According to the Office of Rail and Road, passenger numbers are steadily increasing as people seek more enduring and convenient transportation options.[2] The renewed focus on rail infrastructure and investment reflects a broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting regional connectivity.
King’s perspective is also informed by a poignant personal memory. He recounts a childhood experience following the death of his father, when he stayed with his Uncle Gordon and repeatedly requested a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. “I was about 12, so I was always asking, ‘Can we get the train up?’ as I knew you could get cakes on the train. This went on for years and eventually I just thought, ‘I’m never going to get on this bloody train.’ It’s taken me till I’m nearly 60, but thanks to TV, I’ve finally made it.” This story encapsulates the series’ underlying theme: finding beauty and meaning in unexpected places, and connecting with the past while embracing the future.
A Future Built on Remembrance
Britain’s Favourite Railway Stations is more than just a travelogue; it’s a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit. king acknowledges the outpouring of support from viewers who have encouraged him to continue creating content, fueling his determination to embark on this solo venture. “It’s incredibly humbling that people ask, ‘What are you going to do next? We’re really looking forward to it.’ There’s love in that, and there’s an energy.”
While the future remains uncertain, King approaches it with optimism and a commitment to honoring the legacy of the Hairy Bikers. He remains open to new adventures, even suggesting a potential exploration of motorway service stations or Premier Inns. But for now, his focus is on celebrating the beauty and history of Britain’s railway stations, a journey that promises to be both poignant and inspiring.
Key Takeaways:
* Si King is embarking on a solo television career following the death of his Hairy Bikers co-star, Dave Myers.
* Britain’s Favourite railway Stations represents a departure from the duo’s culinary and motorcycle-focused programming.
* King’s appreciation for railways stems from a love of travel, architecture, and the stories they tell.
* The series is a tribute to Myers and a testament to the enduring power of friendship.
* Rail travel is experiencing a resurgence in popularity as a sustainable and convenient transportation option.
[1] https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-fjziwm/britains-favourite-railway-stations/
[2] https://www.orr.gov.uk/
