For over a decade, he was the steady, knowledgeable presence on one of Britain’s most beloved motoring shows, standing shoulder to shoulder with household names like Jeremy Clarkson and James May.
It was then confirmed — former Top Gear and Fifth Gear presenter Quentin Willson has died.
Tributes from his former co-hosts flooded social media within hours.
Jeremy Clarkson 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.”
James May added: “Quentin gave me proper advice and encouragement during my earliest attempts at TV, back in the late 90s. I’ve never forgotten it. Great bloke.”
Tiff Needell, another of his Top Gear contemporaries, said: “Oh Quentin, how can you leave us so soon. So many memories of the @BBC_TopGear we built in the nineties that I wanted to relive with you again.”
After leaving Top Gear in 2001, Willson went on to front Channel 5’s rival motoring show Fifth Gear and later became a respected motoring journalist.
He even ventured onto the dance floor in 2004, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, where his famously low score — just eight points — still holds the record for the show’s lowest ever.
Despite the result, he later said he had no regrets, believing it’s “important for people in the public eye to make fun of themselves and to be made fun of.”
His family confirmed that he passed away “peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.” Their statement celebrated his vast contribution to British television and his tireless campaigning for fairer fuel prices and electric vehicles.
“Through his FairFuel campaign, Quentin saved UK consumers a fortune by helping to freeze fuel duty,” they wrote. “Over £100 billion in fresh taxation was prevented — a real consumer win by a true champion.”
He also created and presented Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Car’s the Star, and was one of the earliest advocates for electric cars.
“Much-loved husband to Michaela, devoted father to Mercedes, Max and Mini, and cherished grandfather to Saskia, Xander & Roxana — Quentin will be deeply missed,” the family added.
Funeral details will be announced in due course. “The void he has left can never be filled,” the statement concluded. “His knowledge was not just learned but lived — a library of experience now beyond our reach.”