The former Strictly contestant competed on the second season of the BBC dancing competition
Fleur East presenting Strictly spin-off It Takes Two(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing star Fleur East paused It Takes Two to pay tribute to a late BBC star on the programme.
The TV presenter was kicking off another week of the Strictly spin-off series, which airs weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two, on Monday evening (November 10).
Fleur was set to speak to Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and professional dancer Karen Hauer about their exits the night prior.
Harry and Karen were sent home by the judges after competing in the dance-off with drag queen La Voix and Aljaz Skorjanec.
The episode also featured a review of this week’s dances, including Vicky Pattison and Kai Widdrington Tango to Taylor Swift’s The Fate of Ophelia, which was awarded 39 points out of 40.
However, the episode began with Fleur paying a tribute to former Top Gear star Quentin Willson, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 68.
Quentin competed on the BBC dancing competition with Hazel Newbury during its second season back in 2004.
Quentin Willson on Strictly Come Dancing(Image: BBC)
The pair scored the lowest score ever on the show, which still stands to this day, on his single dance before becoming the first couple eliminated.
Fleur told viewers: “Before we carry on with the show, we’d just like to pay our respects to Strictly alumni Quentin Willson who sadly passed away at the weekend.
“He danced back in series two with Hazel Newbury and we’re sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Quentin’s family confirmed he passed away on Saturday (November 8) following a short battle with lung cancer.
They said in a statement: “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.”
Quentin’s family continued: “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.”
