Si King opens up about the inspiration behind his first solo book
Following the sad passing of his good friend, Hairy Biker Dave Myers
Last updated 15th Oct 2026
Si King joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years on Greatest Hits Radio, where they chatted about the significance of 1976. The TV presenter also opened up about his first solo book, following the sad passing of his good friend and fellow Hairy Biker Dave Myers in 2024.
The new book, called Proper Home Cooking has more than 100 recipes, and as Si explained it was his son's family that inspired the new release.
Proper Home Cooking
"It is my first solo book," Si explained to Ken, continuing: "It's really based around the modern family with two kids and a working mum and dad really, because I've been very blessed with two grandchildren and I watched how my son and daughter-in-law's household works and they have it down to a T and it's amazing, but my goodness, it's busy!
"And when they made the decision that they wanted to nourish their children properly and not have ultra-processed foods, I just thought, 'Well, how are you going to do it?' And if I can help, I will, and look, to be fair, they're great cooks, but this book is about that - it's about the tips and tricks that I've learned over the past 40 odd years. And it really is about eating healthy, nourishing food, if you have the choice."
Si went on to explain that he totally understands if someone is struggling financially it might not be possible, continuing: "It's not about me as some bloke that cooks stuff on the telly waving my finger going, 'This is what you should be eating'.
"If you're struggling, then feed your kids how you can. It's not down to me to say it.
"If you have a choice, then try this because I've kept the ingredient lists really small and short so it doesn't put people off. And I've had a right good laugh putting it together."
Si King remembers his late friend Dave Myers
Si poignantly added: "I have to say, Ken, I've missed the conversations with Dave (Myers) because we used to have quite a lot of them when we're, you know... Because there's a lot of work and effort goes into a book. Yeah, those conversations have been a big miss, I have to say."
Going on to speak about his late friend, the chef told Ken: "It (Hairy Bikers) was very special. We had a great time with it and it was just lovely because we were just mates. You know, that was it, that happened to find themselves on the telly. It was a constant surprise to us both.
"We were mates for a long time. We were film crew and it sounds way more glamorous than it is, but we were paid less than a plumber. So we had a lovely time with it and he's a big miss."
Si King's book Proper Home Cooking is now available to buy.
READ MORE: Andrew Garfield reveals his thoughts on being the next James Bond or Doctor Who
Britain’s Favourite Railway Stations
As well as releasing his first solo book, Si has been back on TV with his new show Britain’s Favourite Railway Stations, on More4 earlier this year. Reflecting on the project, he told Ken: "It was a nice thing to do after the (Hairy) Bikers, I think. And I've always had a fascination with trains.
"It kind of started with the idea that I'd never been up on the 'funicular' railway in Mount Snowdon, because I used to go away on rambling trips with my uncle Gordon from Everton, and I was thinking... and I was walking up Snowdonia, I could see this train going past me.
"I was thinking, 'What the flipping Nora am I not sat on that instead of walking this way. It's a big ‘ill, this!
Si then went on to explain that: "Literally just by coincidence, it was a lovely production company came and said, 'Do you want to do some things on the railways?'"
After saying, 'yes', it turned out: "What was even nicer, it was the old Hairy Bikers crew that shot it. So I was working with some of my best mates that I'd travelled five times around the world with, so it was a lovely note to, you know, move on."
Describing it as a "natural, organic" way to complete the circle.
How to listen to Greatest Hits Radio
You can listen to Greatest Hits Radio across the UK on FM, DAB and through your smartspeaker by saying "Play Greatest Hits Radio".
Download our free Rayo app for iPhone or Android.
Take a look through other interviews on Greatest Hits Radio:
John Bishop on turning his life story into a big-screen comedy, Is This Thing On?
Comedian John Bishop sat down with Greatest Hits Radio's Simon Mayo to talk about his film Is This Thing On?, based on an autobiographical anecdote by the Liverpool-born comic, and directed by Bradley Cooper.
The pair discussed how the film is inspired by John's own late start in stand-up comedy, portrayed by a fictional character Alex Novak (Will Arnett). It centres on a man whose marriage is falling apart just as he stumbles into comedy - and the real-life moments, from open-mic nerves to family life - that have been woven into the John-coded film.
Take That teased the release date for their 10th album
Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald, better known as Take That, joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio to talk about their huge new Netflix documentary, bringing back their 'Circus Live Tour' and the all important new music including an album, due for release in 2026.
Mackenzie Crook opened up about the unusual inspiration behind his latest comedy Small Prophets
Following the arrival of Small Prophets, the new heartwarming comedy from Mackenzie Crook, the actor and writer joined Simon Mayo on Greatest Hits Radio. The Dectectorists' star opened up about the new TV series and the unusual inspiration behind it.
He also revealed why he chose Pearce Quigley for the lead role of Michael Sleep, and how he managed to get Sir Michael Palin involved in the popular series.
Baz Luhrmann told a fascinating story of finding 'mythical' Elvis footage in a real life salt mine
Baz Luhrmann joined Simon Mayo on Greatest Hits Radio to talk about his latest film EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert. The film used previously unseen archive footage of the King of Rock and Roll which was restored with the help of Peter Jackson.
Baz Luhrmann worked on the Elvis biopic a few years ago starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, and explained how it was during the research for that film, that he came across the footage used in the latest production.
Squeeze's Glenn Tilbrook opened up about their album 'Trixies' and teased another
Squeeze's Glenn Tilbrook joined Simon Mayo on Greatest Hits Radio to chat about the band's album 'Trixies' and the unusual story behind it. The singer also revealed that we'll have to wait another two years until they release another album, which has already been recorded and "has got the best songs" they've ever written.
'Trixies' was written by Glenn and founding member Chris Difford when they were just teenagers back in 1973.
How Victoria Mary Clarke created the Shane MacGowan tribute album featuring Bruce Springsteen and more
Following the sad passing of The Pogues singer Shane McGowan back in 2023, his wife Victoria Mary Clarke has been curating a tribute album, due for release in 2026. The first song from the album to be released was 'A Rainy Night in Soho', sung by Bruce Springsteen. And Victoria joined Simon Mayo on St Patrick's Day 2026 (17th March), to talk about how the idea for the album came about, and how she got so many artists involved.
Noah Wyle on writing hit TV show The Pitt and its connection with ER
Noah Wyle joined Kate Thornton on Greatest Hits Radio, to talk about his show The Pitt, how it started out as a continuation of ER, and his friendship with George Clooney.
Noah starred as Dr Carter in ER between 1994 and 2005. Throughout ER, fans got to see the medical student progress through the ranks, ending as an Attending Physician. Now, 17 years after ER finished, Noah has returned to acting in a hospital emergency room on The Pitt, a show which is set in Pittsburgh.
Brian Cox revealed why he's never been asked to be on The Celebrity Traitors
Actor Brian Cox joined Simon Mayo to talk about his film Glenrothan, where he stars alongside Alan Cumming. Simon and Brian spoke about the actor's latest role, as he took on the part of Sandy, alongside Alan who plays Donal.
Alan, who is also a good friend of Brian's, is the host of The Traitors USA, and with all the talk of another series of The Celebrity Traitors, an interview with Brian couldn't go without the question - would he take part in The Celebrity Traitors?
Billy Ray Cyrus on why his new album 'The Hill' is his "Johnny Cash moment"
In a candid conversation, Billy Ray Cyrus opened up to Jackie Brambles about the family album that brought him back to his roots. He also spoke about a haunting new single featuring his youngest daughter (Noah), surprise studio collaborations, an emotional Hannah Montana 20th anniversary, and the unexpected love story with Elizabeth Hurley that's reshaped his life.
Carol Decker opened up the early days of T'Pau and recent return to writing music
T'Pau singer Carol Decker opened up about the band's new music, their tour and what it was like returning to writing after all these years. Carol chose 1983 as her Golden Year, a year she said she would have been "slaving away trying to get a record deal."
Ringo Starr opened up about his first duet with Paul McCartney
Ringo Starr joined Simon Mayo via Zoom from America, where the pair spoke about the new album 'Long Long Road', working with Sir Paul McCartney on a duet for Paul's new album, and his attempt to move to the USA when he was 18-years-old, before he became Ringo Starr.
Melanie C revealed how she ended up giving George Michael a pep talk
Melanie C chose 1985 for her Golden Year, as she chatted to Ken Bruce. She opened up about loving Wham! growing up, and having a full circle moment when she gave none other than George Michael a pep talk.
Steve Coogan on new Netflix drama Legends - and the stress of going undercover
Steve Coogan joined us to chat about Legends - a new Netflix crime drama set at the tail end of the Margaret Thatcher era. Steve and Simon Mayo discussed what drew him into playing a quiet but steely customs boss, and why ordinary civil servants make such nerve‑shredding undercover agents.
Boy George joins Kate Thornton to talk about Culture Club's new tour and using AI
Boy George joins Kate Thornton to talk about Culture Club's upcoming tour and how he uses AI to create new music. The singer told Kate: "I have my art studio and then I have my computer. I can work on a track while I'm painting. I don't have to kind of... you know, because the AI thing is so advanced now. You don't have to ring up Roy and go, 'it's 4 in the morning'. Obviously he's not going to come over. I don't need him!"
Lenny Henry reveals why he was pleasantly surprised by his homecoming gig
Speaking about his tour, to Simon Mayo, Lenny revealed how the show is different every night. Split into two halves, the comedian starts his gig with a stand-up routine. The second half is a Q&A session, with questions submitted by the audience that night via a QR code. Lenny admitted when his partner Lisa asked him about the tour, he told her: "I won't tell you what I'm doing, you'll have to come and see it.
"When she saw it, she said, 'Oh, it's stand-up'. I went, 'Yeah, yeah, it is'. That's what I used to... that was my hello, that was my career. She was interested because she hadn't really seen me do a load of stand-up before. She really enjoyed it."
Why seeing a Eurovision performance in 1984 was an 'epiphany moment' for Rob Rinder
Barrister and TV star Rob Rinder joined Ken Bruce, where he chose 1984. He revealed why it was a pivotal year for him, with one Eurovision performance in particular. He also told Ken about his new book - The Defence - and how he went about becoming an author, starting his career as a barrister.
The Specials join Simon Mayo to chat about their new live album
Lynval Golding and Horace Panter from The Specials joined Simon Mayo to chat about their album 'Live From The Cathedral'. The album is a live recording of their 2019 performance at Coventry Cathedral's ruins, which were bombed in the Second World War.
Speaking to Simon, Horace told him how the 2019 gigs at Coventry Cathedral came about, revealing the back story: "We reformed in 2009 and we played Coventry because we're The Specials and we have to play in Coventry.
Shania Twain reveals the early songwriting discipline that has stayed with her
Shania Twain spoke to Simon Mayo about her new album 'Little Miss Twain', which was inspired by her childhood. The singer, who started performing in bars at the age of just eight, revealed what it was like to perform at such a young age, and what early songwriting discipline that has stayed with her throughout the years, calling it her 'happy place'.
Sting reveals top directors want to turn The Last Ship musical into a movie
'Fields of Gold' singer Sting joined Simon Mayo to talk about his musical The Last Ship, and his plans for the future. The Last Ship, a musical inspired by Sting's experiences as a child, has been touring the world and is set to have a limited run in London at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 22nd September until 3rd October 2026.
The Proclaimers open up about making their new album and which Wings song is 'absolute genius'
Twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid, better known as The Proclaimers, joined Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio, where they chose their Golden Year 1976, and opened up about the making of their new album 'You May Offend'. The duo also spoke about how they are still attracting new fans, and their love for a Wings' classic.
Leo Sayer reveals why he turned down being the lead singer of Toto
Leo Sayer joined Simon Mayo, where he spoke about being back in the UK for his tour, living in Australia, and how he was asked to be the lead singer of Toto, but turned it down.
Andrew Garfield reveals his thoughts on being the next James Bond or Doctor Who
Spider-man actor Andrew Garfield spoke to Simon Mayo about his latest film The Uprising, and his upcoming releases - Apple TV+'s biographical miniseries Wild Thing, and feature film Artificial - where he plays Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI.
Author: Anna Sky Magliola
Anna Sky Magliola is a Digital Content Editor at Rayo, creating content for brands including Hits Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. She began her career at Bauer Media in 2007 and has spent almost two decades creating engaging digital content for millions of readers, specialising in music news, celebrity interviews and TV features. A passionate dance music fan, Anna Sky has travelled the world to experience some of the biggest festivals and is always looking for the next great music story.