Top Gear and BBC Strictly star Quentin Willson dies aged 68 as family issue statement

The full statement said: “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.

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“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.

Quentin Willson - my friend and my hero. An incredibly generous man who, on a personal level, helped me and my family enormously. And the most talented broadcaster, journalist and campaigner. I’ll miss him hugely. So sorry for his family. ❤️

— Steve Fowler (@SteveFowler) November 8, 2025

“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.”

Tributes have flooded in, including from BBC reporter Theo Leggett who penned on X: "Very sad news. Quentin Wilson, former #TopGear and 5th Gear presenter turned motoring and EV campaigner, has died aged 68 after a short illness.

"I always thought Quentin was the best of the TG presenters. When I was a young petrolhead I loved his raised-eyebrow style. I had the privilege of meeting him professionally in later life. A true gent."

One of Mr Leggett's fans soon replied: "Very sad news indeed. Yes, a true gent and one of the very best presenters."

And a second echoed: "Dreadful news.., RIP Quentin."

"Quentin Wilson R.I.P," another social media user weighed in away from Mr Leggett's post while a second X user said: "R.I.P quentin wilson a true motoring legend." (sic)