has shared the poignant three words that kick-started his grieving process for Dave King. The 58-year-old opened up about how Dave Day, a 30-mile motorcycle ride held in memory of his late best friend and fellow Dave.
He summed up the day in three words: “Permission to grieve.” “It seemed only right and fitting that after that date passed, that we did something, and we thought that this was the best way to celebrate his life,” he added to PA News.
“Because I think what Dave Day did was give permission, to a wider audience, I’d say the Hairy Bikers family, to start that grieving process for my best mate.
“It was twofold, it was permission to grieve, because we all need that, don’t we, which is why we have the funeral services that we have in our society and all of that, and also, he loved his life.
He continued: “Yes, it’s poignant, but it’s a celebration of a joyous man and his time that he shared with us all on the telly.”
Si had a memorial ride to honour Dave earlier this year (Image: Getty)
The tribute event, which saw 46,000 motorcyclists participate, is the focus of an hour-long Two special titled The Hairy Bikers: You’ll Never Ride Alone, airing tonight, (December 23) at 9pm. The event coincided with the 32nd anniversary of their friendship and 23 years of working together.
The emotional celebration honoured Dave, who passed away from cancer in February at the age of 66. Proceeds from the day were donated to various charities, reflecting the spirit of giving that marked the late star’s life.
The process of making the documentary brought back a flood of memories for the TV chef and biker. “We’ve been five-and-a-half times around the world, we’ve been to the moon and back, literally in terms of mileage, and most of that was spent in the saddle of a motorcycle as two friends,” Si recalled.
“Of course, it was incredibly nostalgic, and one visual image led to the next in your head. It was like, oh god, remember that? It was just that plethora of that journey, both physical and emotional, that we went through together as friends.
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Si and Dave were close on-screen and off (Image: Getty)
“It was a lovely energy to evoke and very special, and also very hard on occasion. When I had to voiceover the show, it was tough, it was a tough thing to do.”
Appearing on I, to plug his new documentary, the star explained how he still celebrates his good friend’s life.
Explaining to GMB hosts, and Richard Madeley, what Dave was really like, Si said: “He was braver than me in the sense that he would get dressed up. Like he did .”
Richard asked: “You said he will always, always be your best friend. Do you still talk to him?” The Hairy Biker repsonded in jest as he said: “Well I nearly rang him up the other day. I haven’t heard from him in yonks!”
“It’s just that reflex,” he continued a bit more seriously. With emotion in his voice, the TV star and chef added: “We were both each others reference points because of our friendship together… and yeah, I’m always chatting to him.”