Quentin Willson competed on the second season of the BBC show
Quentin Willson starred on the second season of Strictly Come Dancing(Image: BBC)
Tributes have continued to flood in after the sad news that Quentin Willson has died aged 68. The motoring journalist enjoyed an incredible career in television as the presenter of both Top Gear and Fifth Gear.
He was part of the original version of Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson, before the show was rebooted in 2002. Quentin was also one of the competitors on the second season of Strictly Come Dancing. His family referenced his stint on the BBC show in a statement announcing his death.
Quentin was partnered with Hazel Newberry on the second race for the Glitterball in 2004. He was the first to leave the show, but wrote himself into Strictly history when he received the lowest ever score with 8.
His family joked he holds this “dubious honour” in a statement that paid tribute to the incredible legacy he has left behind. 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.
Quentin Willson has died aged 68(Image: EVA Scotland)
The statement added: “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.”
People have taken to social media platform to pay tribute after the sad news. Top Gear star James May said: “Quentin Wilson gave me proper advice and encouragement during my earliest attempts at TV, back in the late 90s. I’ve never forgotten it. Great bloke.”
Another X user named Graham said: “I am totally shocked to hear about the passing of Quentin Willson. A true car enthusiast, with a sharp wit and a way with words. I met him several times and was always keen to chat. A sad loss. RIP.”
Andrea added: “I’m extremely sad to hear of the death of former Top Gear presenter & auto fanatic, Quentin Willson. I had the pleasure of interviewing him on ‘Fast Forward’ earlier this year. Smart, quick-witted, articulate and highly entertaining. RIP”
