Si King, one half of the beloved cooking duo The Hairy Bikers, has led a life marked by television fame, personal loss, and a long struggle to balance a demanding career with family. While millions know him from the screen, many details about his marriage, children, and current partner remain private or uncertain. This article compiles all verified information about Si King’s personal life, family, and early years.
Who is Si King’s wife?
- Si King’s personal life became a frequent search topic after the death of his Hairy Bikers partner Dave Myers in 2024.
- His first wife, Jane, was married to him for 27 years before they separated in 2016.
- In 2021 he became engaged to Australian chef Michelle Cranston, but the relationship ended before the wedding.
- He now lives alone near Newcastle and is dating a woman named Jen, a member of the legal community.
- King has admitted that the pressures of fame and working up to 200 days a year left his marriage “in pieces.”
- He has three sons: Alex, James, and Dylan.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Simon James King |
| Date of Birth | 20 October 1966 |
| Place of Birth | County Durham, England |
| Occupation | Television presenter, cook, author |
| Years Active | 1990s–present |
| Known For | The Hairy Bikers (with Dave Myers) |
| First Wife | Jane (married 27 years; separated 2016) |
| Current Partner | Jen (name unconfirmed; dating since after 2021) |
| Children | Three sons: Alex (27), James (24), Dylan (16) |
| Social Media | Instagram (@sikingofficial), Facebook (SiKingPropa) |
Si King’s first wife
Si King was married to a woman named Jane for 27 years. The couple separated in 2016, a split King attributes to the demands of his career. He told the Mirror that his work kept him away from home for up to 200 days a year, leaving Jane to act as a single parent. The relationship was left “in pieces,” he admitted. Despite living apart, King said in 2019 that they were not formally divorced, stating “She’s still my wife.” By 2024, however, he confirmed the divorce was finalized, telling the BBC that he “clearly didn’t achieve the right balance” and was now divorced.
Si King’s new wife or partner
In 2021, King became engaged to Australian chef Michelle Cranston (sometimes spelled Michele). The couple split later that year after a long-distance romance, and the wedding never took place, according to Hello! Magazine. Following that, King began dating a woman named Jen, who works in the legal community in Newcastle. He described her as “incredibly supportive” in an interview with The Guardian. He currently lives alone near Newcastle with his dog, I.E., and is not married.
While King referred to his current partner as “Jen” in a 2024 interview, this name has not been officially confirmed through public records or social media. The name is widely repeated in search queries but should be treated as unverified.
Does Si King have children?
Si King’s children
Si King has three sons from his marriage to Jane: Alex (27), James (24), and Dylan (16), according to Wikipedia and the Express. All three are now adults. King has spoken openly about his regrets regarding his absence during their upbringing. He worked up to 200 days a year, which forced his wife to act as a single parent. He recently told the Sunday Post that he “doesn’t want to be a burden on my children.”
King has been candid about the impact of his career on his family. In a 2024 interview, he said his children grew up with a father who was often away, and he now works to rebuild those relationships. His son Dylan was 16 at the time of the interview, still living at home.
Si King’s daughter
Contrary to some online speculation, Si King does not have a publicly known daughter. All verified sources confirm he has three sons. The search query “Si King daughter” appears to stem from confusion or unverified claims. No official records or interviews mention a daughter.
What was Si King like when he was young?
Si King’s early life and upbringing
Simon James King was born on 20 October 1966 in Kibblesworth, then part of County Durham (now Gateshead), England. He is the youngest of three siblings, according to BBC News. His father served in the Royal Navy during World War II on the Arctic convoys and later worked as a motorcycle despatch rider. When King was just eight years old, his father died from complications following a failed double kidney transplant. His mother, Stella, suffered from multiple sclerosis, and King later became her caregiver. She passed away around the time of his own health crisis.
King attended St Robert of Newminster Catholic School in Washington. At age 13, he briefly considered becoming a priest but soon realized he was more interested in “girls and music,” according to Wikipedia. Before television, he was a drummer in a band. He became a father at 23, which prompted him to seek a stable income, leading him into television production as a location manager. He worked on major titles including Harry Potter and the TV series Byker Grove.
In 1992, King met Dave Myers while working on a Catherine Cookson drama. Their friendship lasted over 30 years until Myers’ death in February 2024. That partnership produced the Hairy Bikers, a hugely successful cooking duo.
In 2014 (or 2016, depending on the report), King suffered a brain aneurysm while living alone and separated from his wife. He nearly lost his life. The incident forced him to reassess his priorities and contributed to his decision to slow down his career.
What is the timeline of Si King’s life?
- 1966: Born in County Durham.
- 1990s: Begins career in film and television production.
- 1992: Meets Dave Myers; they form The Hairy Bikers.
- 2004: First Hairy Bikers cookbook published.
- 2016: Separates from wife Jane after 27 years of marriage.
- 2021: Engagement to Michelle Cranston ends; begins dating Jen.
- 2024: Dave Myers dies; King announces continued solo work.
- 2025: Announces new book Si King Proper Home Cooking (October 2025).
What is known and what remains unclear about Si King’s personal life?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| His full name is Simon James King. | The exact surname of his first wife is not publicly confirmed. |
| He was born on 20 October 1966 in County Durham. | The identity of his current partner (often referred to as “Jenn”) is not officially confirmed. |
| He is best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers. | Some details about his children’s lives and careers are not publicly known. |
| He has three sons: Alex, James, and Dylan. | The exact year of his brain aneurysm is uncertain (2014 or 2016). |
| He has a new book coming out in October 2025. | His net worth is not officially disclosed. |
Why is there so much interest in Si King’s personal life?
Si King’s popularity as a Hairy Biker has led to deep interest in his personal life, especially after the death of his co-star Dave Myers. The lack of official biographical details about his wife, partner, and children fuels search queries. The top search results are dominated by Wikipedia, social media, and event pages, none of which provide a dedicated overview of his personal relationships. This article consolidates all verifiable information and clarifies what is known versus speculative.
Where can users find reliable information about Si King?
“Simon James King (born 20 October 1966) is an English television presenter, best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers with the late Dave Myers.”
“Si King is a broadcaster and cook, best known as one half of the duo The Hairy Bikers.”
“My new book, Si King Proper Home Cooking, which is out this October. I’ve cooked for family and friends. Great food. Made for the people you love.”
For official updates, follow Si King on Instagram or Facebook. His Good Food Show profile also provides a career summary. For a broader look at British television personalities, see Rob Brydon – Biography, Wife, Net Worth and Best Roles and Joe Swash – Biography, Age, Family and Career.
Summary of Si King’s biography
Si King is a television presenter and cook, best known as one half of the Hairy Bikers. He was born in County Durham in 1966, lost his father at age eight, and later cared for his mother. He has three sons from a 27-year marriage to Jane, which ended in separation due to his career demands. He is now in a relationship with a partner named Jen and lives alone near Newcastle. His partnership with the late Dave Myers defined his professional life. For more on British TV personalities, see Rob Brydon – Biography, Wife, Net Worth and Best Roles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Si King
What is Si King’s real name?
His full name is Simon James King.
When was Si King born?
Si King was born on 20 October 1966.
Where is Si King from?
He is from County Durham, England.
What is Si King known for?
He is best known as one half of the cooking duo The Hairy Bikers, alongside Dave Myers.
Is Si King married?
He was married to Jane for 27 years; they separated in 2016 and later divorced. He is currently in a relationship with a partner named Jen, but not married.
Does Si King have children?
Yes, he has three sons: Alex, James, and Dylan. Their ages are 27, 24, and 16 respectively.
What is Si King’s net worth?
Net worth figures are not officially confirmed and vary widely across sources; we avoid speculation.
How can I follow Si King on social media?
He is active on Instagram (@sikingofficial) and Facebook (SiKingPropa).
Charlotte Hayes is Live Events & Festivals Correspondent at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, covering concerts, festivals, tours, venues and UK live music culture.