James May has become the first Top Gear star to speak out after veteran motoring broadcaster Quentin Willson passed away at 68 following a brief struggle with lung cancer.
The television personality died peacefully this Saturday morning with family members at his bedside, his relatives announced.
Mr Willson’s relatives issued a statement confirming the presenter succumbed to his illness on November 8. The Leicester-born journalist had been diagnosed with lung cancer recently before his death.
The former Top Gear star’s family revealed he passed away surrounded by loved ones over the weekend. His death marks the end of a distinguished career spanning television presenting, motoring journalism, and consumer advocacy work.
Tributes from far and wide have since flooded in for the motoring journalist, including one from Mr May soon after the news broke.
Taking to X, Mr May penned: “Quentin Wilson gave me proper advice and encouragement during my earliest attempts at TV, back in the late 90s. I’ve never forgotten it.
“Great bloke,” the Grand Tour presenter signed off. Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond are yet to publicly comment at the time of publication.
Mr Willson became a household name through his decade-long tenure on the BBC’s Top Gear from 1991 to 2001, where he served as the programme’s used car expert.
James May took on Top Gear after Quentin Willson
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PAHe collaborated with Mr Clarkson during the show’s formative years, helping establish it as a pioneering motoring programme that would achieve global success.
Following his Top Gear departure, he joined Channel 5’s rival motoring programme Fifth Gear. His television portfolio expanded to include creating and hosting Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Car’s The Star.
In 2004, Mr Willson participated in Strictly Come Dancing, where his performance earned just eight points from judges – a record that remains unmatched as the programme’s lowest ever score.
Beyond his broadcasting achievements, Mr Willson became a prominent advocate for motorists through his FairFuel initiative, which successfully lobbied against fuel duty increases.
The campaign prevented more than £100 billion in additional taxation, establishing him as a champion for everyday drivers.
His forward-thinking approach to automotive technology saw him endorsing the General Motors EV1 during the 1990s, well before electric vehicles gained mainstream acceptance.
This early support for sustainable transport demonstrated his ability to anticipate industry trends.
In recent years, Willson launched the FairCharge campaign, dedicating himself to making electric vehicles accessible to ordinary consumers through affordability initiatives.
Quentin Wilson gave me proper advice and encouragement during my earliest attempts at TV, back in the late 90s. I’ve never forgotten it. Great bloke.
— James May (@MrJamesMay) November 8, 2025
His relatives paid tribute to him as “a true national treasure” who “brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms”.
They praised his expertise, stating: “His knowledge was not just learned but lived; a library of experience now beyond our reach.”
Willson leaves behind his wife Michaela, three children named Mercedes, Max and Mini, and three grandchildren – Saskia, Xander and Roxana. His family expressed gratitude for condolences whilst requesting privacy during their bereavement.
The family confirmed that details of funeral arrangements would be shared at a later date.