Quentin Willson, who was one of the first hosts on the hit BBC motoring show, died “peacefully surrounded by his family” on Saturday November 8, a statement from his family saidPaige Ingram and Lauren Del Fabbro PA Entertainment Reporter
01:29, 09 Nov 2025Updated 01:39, 09 Nov 2025
Jeremy Clarkson has led tributes to fellow broadcaster Quentin Willson
Motoring legend Jeremy Clarkson has led tributes to fellow broadcaster Quentin Willson, who has passed away at the age of 68 following a brief fight with lung cancer.
Television personalities James May and Tiff Needell, who both worked alongside Willson on the BBC’s iconic motoring programme, have also shared their condolences. The renowned television host and automotive journalist died “peacefully surrounded by his family” on Saturday, November 8, according to a family statement.
Clarkson expressed his sorrow in a message on X, writing: “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.” But one X user blasted Jeremy for his tribute saying : “Not exactly a heartfelt ringing endorsement.”
(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson issues emotional Top Gear statement honouring his longtime pal
READ MORE: BBC Top Gear presenter dies aged 68 as family pay tribute
Jeremy clapped back and responded: ““Properly funny man” is literally the highest accolade you can bestow on someone.”
Ex-racing driver and presenter on Top Gear and Fifth Gear, Needell, 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 remember with you again. Please upload the film of me with him and Jeremy in the Ford Puma that so wonderfully displays the times we had together… RIP Q”.
May, meanwhile, revealed that Willson offered him “proper advice and encouragement” whilst he was attempting to establish himself in the television world during the 1990s, describing him as a “great bloke”.
Willson was amongst the original presenters of the hugely popular BBC motoring programme, appearing alongside Clarkson and hosting the show from 1991 through to 2001, before moving on to front Channel 5’s Fifth Gear.
(L-R) Jeremy Clarkson, Steve Berry, Quentin Willson, Tony Mason, Chris Goffey, Tiff Needell, and Michele Newman(Image: BBC)
He also developed and fronted numerous automotive programmes, including Britain’s Worst Drivers and BBC Two’s The Car’s The Star. A family statement read: “A true national treasure, Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms.
“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.”
His family have shared a statement following his dealth (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
The broadcaster was a passionate consumer champion, spearheading numerous campaigns including his FairFuel initiative which helped freeze fuel duty, and working relentlessly to make electric vehicles more affordable through his FairCharge campaign.
The statement continued: “Long before it was fashionable, he championed the GM EV1 and the promise of electric cars, proving he was always ahead of the curve.”
Willson penned weekly columns for The Mirror and Sunday Mirror for 15 years and contributed to Classic Cars Magazine for nine years. He was crowned motoring writer of the year at the British Press Awards in 2004, whilst working for the Sunday Mirror.
Quentin Willson sits in an electric car(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
That same year the presenter made headlines after scoring just eight points on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing for his cha cha cha with professional partner Hazel Newberry. It remains the lowest score in the programme’s history. Ginny Buckley, chief executive of EV advice site Electrifying.com, also paid tribute, describing Willson as a “true national treasure”.
“I was lucky to get to know him in recent years through his excellent work with FairCharge, where his passion for making electric vehicles accessible to all really shone through,” she said.
“He was warm, generous with his knowledge and unfailingly kind. He brought the joy of motoring – from petrol to plug – into our homes and hearts, and will be greatly missed.”
Willson served as a patron of the Hydrogen Trust and was also a Bafta film judge. His family have requested privacy and confirmed funeral arrangements will be revealed in due course.
For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTubeand Threads.