Former Top Gear and Fifth Gear presenter Quentin Willson has sadly passed away at the age of 68 after a short battle with lung cancer.
Willson was one of the regular presenters of Top Gear during the 1990s before he went on to join Fifth Gear.
Outside of television, Willson also co-founded FairFuelUK, campaigning for fairer fuel prices and policies that supported both drivers and the environment. More recently, he became an advocate for electric vehicles, recognising early on how important the transition to cleaner motoring would be.
His family released a statement announcing his death:
“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.
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.”
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