TL;DR
- Quentin Willson, former presenter of Top Gear and Fifth Gear, has passed away at the age of 68 after a brief battle with lung cancer.
- He was known for his advocacy in motoring and consumer rights, championing campaigns for fair fuel prices and electric vehicle accessibility.
- Described as a “true national treasure,” Willson leaves behind a legacy of motoring knowledge and is survived by his family, including his wife and three children.
Former Top Gear and Fifth Gear presenter Quentin Willson dies | Ents & Arts News
Former Top Gear and Fifth Gear presenter Quentin Willson has died.
The Leicester-born motoring journalist joined the BBC in 1991 to co-host the original Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson.
The 68-year-old died on Saturday following a short battle with lung cancer, his family said.
In a statement, they described him as a “true national treasure” who “brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms”.
The broadcaster created and presented both Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Car’s The Star.
He went on to perform on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, where he continues to hold the lowest score in the show’s history.
He was also an avid “consumer champion”, having advocated for a number of campaigns, including helping to freeze fuel duty with his FairFuel campaign.
He recently worked “tirelessly” to make electric vehicles affordable through his FairCharge campaign, his family said.
The statement continued: “Long before it was fashionable, he championed the GM EV1 and the promise of electric cars, proving he was always ahead of the curve.
“Much-loved husband to Michaela, devoted father to Mercedes, Max and Mini, and cherished grandfather to Saskia, Xander and Roxana.
“Quentin will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him personally and professionally.
“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.”
