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 car dealer and motoring journalist joined the BBC show in 1991, appearing alongside the likes of Jeremy Clarkson and James May, until the original format was cancelled 10 years later.

He then moved to Channel 5 to join its rival motoring show, Fifth Gear, and did not rejoin when Top Gear relaunched in 2002.

The 68-year-old died on Saturday following a short battle with lung cancer, his family said.

Clarkson was among those paying tribute on Saturday.

He wrote on X: “I’m far away so I’ve only just heard that Quentin Willson has died. We had some laughs over the years. Properly funny man.”

May also wrote: “Quentin Willson gave me proper advice and encouragement during my earliest attempts at TV, back in the late 90s. I’ve never forgotten it. Great bloke.”

In a statement, Willson’s family 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.

Willson 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 family statement added: “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.”