Top Gear star and motoring journalist Quentin Willson has sadly died aged 68.

Quentin 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.

Willson’s family has announced that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family, today (November 8), following a short fight against lung cancer. 

The motoring expert was known as a national treasure, offering his services not only as a journalist, but a television presenter and producer, author, and campaigner.

One of the most memorable campaigns was Willson’s FairFuel bid, which alone saved UK consumers a fortune by helping to freeze fuel duty, leading to more than £100 billion in fresh taxation being prevented by the campaign.

His family highlighted some of his most-loved work, sharing some of the programmes he enjoyed creating, including Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Cars the Star.

The family said: “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.”

Willson’s family added: “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.

“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.”

They also asked for privacy during this time of mourning.

His family expressed: “While messages of condolence are warmly appreciated, the family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.”

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course.