Former Top Gear and Fifth Gear presenter dies aged 68

Former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson has died aged 68 after a short illness.

Before Willson began presenting Fifth Gear on Channel 5, he co-hosted the BBC motoring show between 1991 and 2001, working alongside the likes of Jeremy Clarkson.

He later worked as a campaigner at the forefront of the FairFuel campaign to reduce the cost of fuel duty and became an early advocate of electric vehicles.

Described as a “true national treasure” and a “true consumer champion”, the father of three was diagnosed with lung cancer and died on Saturday, his family said in a statement.

“From combustion engines to electricity, Quentin has brought the joy of motoring into our living rooms,” they said.

“The void he left can never be filled. His knowledge is not only learned but lived; a library of experience that we can no longer reach…

“Quentin will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him personally and professionally.”

The family statement also emphasized that it championed General Motors’ EV1 electric car in the 1990s, saying that this proved that it was “always ahead of the rest.”

They added: “Most recently he has been working tirelessly to make electric vehicles affordable for everyone.”

Willson also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004; her eight-point total for one dance here remains the lowest score awarded by the judges on the show.

On Top Gear, Willson was known for his sarcastic delivery and harsh criticism.

He also presented The Car’s the Star for the BBC and the Classic Car Show on Channel 5 and worked as a motoring journalist.