Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has led tributes to broadcaster and motoring journalist Quentin Willson, who has died at the age of 68 following a brief battle with lung cancer. Willson passed away peacefully on Saturday, surrounded by his family, according to a statement released after his death.
Clarkson acknowledged the news in a post shared on X, saying he had only just learned of Willson’s passing while travelling. “We had some laughs over the years. Properly funny man,” Clarkson wrote, recalling their shared time on the iconic motoring show.
Tributes also came from presenters James May and Tiff Needell, both of whom worked with Willson during the 1990s era of Top Gear. Needell, a former racing driver and later presenter on both Top Gear and Fifth Gear, expressed his sadness and nostalgia, saying he had hoped to revisit more memories together. He referenced a film segment featuring himself, Willson, and Clarkson in a Ford Puma, describing it as a reminder of the enjoyable times they shared.
May reflected on Willson’s influence during the early part of his television career, saying Willson had offered meaningful guidance and encouragement when he was trying to establish himself in the industry, calling him a “great bloke.”
Willson was among the earliest presenters of Top Gear, co-hosting the show from 1991 to 2001 before later joining Channel 5’s Fifth Gear. Over his career, he also created and fronted several motoring series, including Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Car’s The Star.
