‘Top Gear’ Host Passes Away at 68 After Battle With Lung Cancer: Loving Tributes Pour In

Former “Top Gear” host Quentin Willson has died at 68 after a short battle with lung cancer. His family confirmed the news on Saturday, November 8, in a statement shared with the BBC, saying he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

“Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms,” the family said. “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.”

Remembered by his loved ones as “a true national treasure,” Willson was celebrated for his lifelong passion for cars and his enduring impact on automotive journalism and broadcasting.

A Pioneer in Automotive Television

Willson joined the BBC in 1991 as one of the early co-hosts of “Top Gear,” where he became known for his expertise on used cars and his sharp, witty delivery. He remained a weekly presence until the show’s original run ended in 2001.

After leaving “Top Gear,” Willson hosted Channel 5’s “Fifth Gear,” along with popular automotive series such as “The Car’s the Star,” “All the Right Moves,” and “Britain’s Worst Driver.” In 2015, he returned to Channel 5 to co-host “The Classic Car Show.”

Fans also fondly remember his lighthearted appearance on “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2004, where he earned what his family humorously described as “the dubious honour of the lowest score in history.”

A Passionate Advocate for Drivers & Clean Energy

Beyond television, Willson made a major impact as a campaigner for motorists. Through his FairFuel initiative, he helped secure a freeze on fuel duty in the U.K., saving consumers billions.

Getty

He later launched the FairCharge campaign to advocate for affordable, accessible electric vehicles. “Long before it was fashionable, he championed the GM EV1 and the promise of electric cars, proving he was always ahead of the curve,” his family said.

Colleagues and fans have credited Willson for using his platform to push for innovation and fairness in the automotive industry.

Remembered as a ‘True National Treasure’

Willson is survived by his wife, Michaela; their children, Mercedes, Max, and Mini; and grandchildren Saskia, Xander, and Roxana.

“The void he has left can never be filled,” his family said in their statement. “His knowledge was not just learned but lived — a library of experience now beyond our reach.”

Friends, fellow journalists, and fans have since flooded social media with tributes to the beloved presenter, celebrating his humor, intelligence, and trailblazing contributions to the world of motoring television.

The post ‘Top Gear’ Host Passes Away at 68 After Battle With Lung Cancer: Loving Tributes Pour In appeared first on EntertainmentNow.