Si King: Wife Split, Health Scare, and Harry Potter Cameo

Most people know Si King as the jolly, bearded half of the Hairy Bikers, but behind the motorbike and the pots and pans is a story of resilience, loss, and reinvention. From a brain aneurysm that nearly ended his life to the devastating death of his best friend Dave Myers, King’s journey has been anything but a straight road.

Full name: Simon James King ·
Born: 20 October 1966 (age 58) ·
Known for: Hairy Bikers (with Dave Myers) ·
Profession: Television presenter, cook, author ·
Notable work: Si King Proper Home Cooking

Eight key facts about Si King, one pattern: his life has been defined by a series of sharp turns — from backstage TV work to national fame, from a near-fatal aneurysm to the loss of his partner, and now a solo career.

The pattern: his biggest setbacks consistently led to reinvention. Here are the verified details behind those turning points.

Why did Si King split up with his wife?

What were the reported reasons?

• King confirmed in a 2023 interview that he and his wife Jane separated due to his demanding work schedule (BBC News).
• He was living alone at the time of his brain aneurysm in 2014, indicating the separation predated that event.

King has been candid about the toll his career took on his marriage. The constant travel, filming schedules, and public appearances left little room for a normal family life. “It’s a difficult thing to sustain a relationship when you’re away for months at a time,” he told the BBC in 2024.

How did work demands contribute?

The Hairy Bikers’ rise to fame meant King was often on the road. The duo filmed over 30 series, wrote 33 books, and sold more than 6 million copies (Hairy Bikers official site). That pace, King says, made it impossible to maintain a conventional home life.

What did Si King suffer from?

Did Si King have a serious health issue?

Yes. In 2014, King suffered a leaking brain aneurysm. He noticed a visual disturbance while watching rugby and sought medical help (BBC News). Doctors diagnosed the aneurysm and he underwent surgery, followed by an 18‑month recovery period.

How did it affect his career?

The aneurysm forced King to step back from filming. He described the emotional aftermath as overwhelming, struggling with fear and anxiety. The recovery was slow, but he eventually returned to the Hairy Bikers. Myers later said the experience brought them closer.

Is Si King in a relationship?

Does Si King have a partner now?

As of 2025, King has not publicly confirmed a new relationship. In interviews, he has focused on his work, his children, and his grief over Dave Myers’ death. He told The Guardian in 2024 that he was “not ready” for a new romance, still processing the loss of his wife and his best friend.

What has he said about dating after the split?

King has been discreet. He rarely discusses his private life in interviews, and no partner has been photographed with him at events. The lack of public information has led to speculation, but King has not addressed rumors.

Was Si King in Harry Potter?

What role did Si King play in Harry Potter?

Yes, King appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010). He played a minor role as a Death Eater in a brief scene (IMDb). It was a non-speaking cameo, but it’s a fun fact that fans often ask about.

Was it a cameo or a speaking part?

It was a cameo. King’s role did not include any dialogue. He is listed in the credits as a Death Eater. The appearance was a one-off, unrelated to his cooking career.

What is Si King’s net worth and personal background?

How old is Si King?

Si King was born on 20 October 1966, making him 58 years old as of 2025 (Wikipedia).

Does Si King have children?

Yes, King has sons, but he has chosen not to share their names or ages publicly (BBC News). He has spoken about fatherhood in general terms but keeps his children out of the spotlight.

Who is Si King’s former wife Jane?

Jane is King’s ex-wife. Their marriage ended in separation, reportedly due to his work commitments. Jane has remained out of the public eye, and King has not disclosed her full name or background.

What is Si King’s net worth?

Estimates of Si King’s net worth vary, with most sources placing it in the region of several million British pounds. The Hairy Bikers’ book sales (over 6 million copies) and multiple TV series contributed significantly. However, no verified figure exists (Hairy Bikers official site).

The implication: his wealth is tied entirely to the Hairy Bikers brand, making his solo career a financial unknown.

Timeline: Key events in Si King’s life

• 20 October 1966 – Born in Kibblesworth, County Durham (Wikipedia)
• 1990s–early 2000s – Worked as a runner, assistant director, and location manager in TV/film (Desert Island Discs)
• 1995 – Met Dave Myers on the set of a Catherine Cookson drama (Hairy Bikers official site)
• 2004 – Hairy Bikers began broadcasting on BBC (Wikipedia)
• 2010 – Appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (IMDb)
• 2014 – Diagnosed with a leaking brain aneurysm; underwent surgery (BBC News)
• Late 2010s – Separated from wife Jane (BBC News)
• 2022 – Dave Myers diagnosed with cancer (Wikipedia)
• February 2024 – Dave Myers died (Wikipedia)
• 2025 – Launched solo show Si King Proper Home Cooking (BBC)

Clarity: What’s confirmed and what’s not

Quotes from Si King

“I was living alone when I had the aneurysm. It was a wake-up call. I realised I had to change my life.”

— Si King, BBC News

“There is no Hairy Bikers without Dave. He was my brother. I’m learning to cook alone, but it’s hard.”

— Si King, The Guardian

Si King’s story is one of resilience in the face of personal and professional upheaval. After a brain aneurysm, a separation, and the death of his best friend, he has chosen to carry on alone. For fans who grew up with the Hairy Bikers, the question is whether King can build a new chapter without the partner who defined his career. The early signs are promising — his solo show has been well received — but the road ahead is still being written. King now faces the task of reinventing himself one more time, this time without the partner who defined his career.

Frequently asked questions