Former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson has died at the age of 68.
Described as a 'true national treasure,' his family announced that he passed away peacefully earlier today (8 November) following a short battle with lung cancer as they say he will be missed by all who 'knew him personally and professionally.
Willson was a motoring journalist and former car dealer who joined the BBC in 1991 to co-host the original version of Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson. Up until that format was cancelled in 2001, the presenter appeared on the TV show every week, usually to be an expert on used cars.
Willson then went on to present Channel 5's rival show, Fifth Gear, having also produced his own classic car series The Car's the Star and All the Right Moves. He also created the Britain's Worst Driver format, appeared on the 2004 series of Strictly Come Dancing and returned to Channel 5 in 2015 to host The Classic Car Show.
The statement from his family reads: "The family of Quentin Willson, television presenter and producer, motoring journalist, author, and campaigner, wish to announce that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday 8th November, following a short battle with lung cancer. He was 68.
“A true national treasure, Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms. He helped shape the original Top Gear as one of its first hosts, working alongside Jeremy Clarkson and the team who took the pioneering show global.
“He went on to front Fifth Gear and still holds the dubious honour of Strictly Come Dancing’s lowest score in history.
“Through his FairFuel campaign, Quentin saved UK consumers a fortune by helping to freeze fuel duty. Over £100 billion in fresh taxation was prevented by the campaign, a real consumer win by a true consumer champion."
The statement continues: “He also created and presented much-loved programmes such as Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Cars the Star.
“Long before it was fashionable, he championed the GM EV1 and the promise of electric cars, proving he was always ahead of the curve. More recently he had worked tirelessly to make EVs affordable for all, via his FairCharge campaign.
“Much-loved husband to Michaela, devoted father to Mercedes, Max and Mini, and cherished grandfather to Saskia, Xander & Roxana. Quentin will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him personally and professionally.
“While messages of condolence are warmly appreciated, the family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
“The void he has left can never be filled. His knowledge was not just learned but lived; a library of experience now beyond our reach.”
Featured Image Credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for JamesonTopics: Top Gear, TV and Film
Jess Battison