Motoring icon Jeremy Clarkson has taken the lead in paying tribute to fellow broadcaster Quentin Willson, who has sadly passed away at 68 after a brief battle with lung cancer.
Well-known television personalities James May and Tiff Needell, both former colleagues of Willson on the BBC’s renowned motoring show, have also expressed their condolences. Willson, a respected television host and automotive journalist, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, November 8, as confirmed by his family.
Clarkson conveyed his sadness in a message on X, stating: “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.” However, a user on X criticized Jeremy’s tribute, commenting: “Not exactly a heartfelt ringing endorsement.”
Responding to the criticism, Clarkson defended his tribute by saying: “‘Properly funny man’ is literally the highest accolade you can bestow on someone.”
Former racing driver and presenter on Top Gear and Fifth Gear, Tiff Needell, lamented Willson’s early departure, reminiscing about the memories they shared on BBC Top Gear in the 1990s. James May shared how Willson had provided him with valuable advice and support during his early days in the television industry in the 1990s, describing him as a “great bloke.”
Quentin Willson, one of the original hosts of the BBC motoring program alongside Clarkson, hosted the show from 1991 to 2001 before moving on to Fifth Gear on Channel 5. Apart from his television roles, he also fronted various automotive programs such as Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Car’s The Star.
Described as a national treasure, Willson is survived by his wife Michaela, children Mercedes, Max, and Mini, and grandchildren Saskia, Xander, and Roxana. Known for his advocacy work, he championed causes like FairFuel to freeze fuel duty and FairCharge to make electric vehicles more accessible.
Recognized for his contributions to motoring journalism, Willson penned columns for The Mirror and Sunday Mirror for 15 years and was named motoring writer of the year at the British Press Awards in 2004. A patron of the Hydrogen Trust and a Bafta film judge, Willson’s family has requested privacy and will disclose funeral arrangements in due course.
