Jeremy Clarkson has joined James May in paying tribute to former Top Gear co-star Quentin Willson following his death today at the age of 68.
The motoring journalist and television presenter died following a brief struggle with lung cancer and was surrounded by loved ones as he passed, his relatives announced today.
His family paid tribute to him as a “true national treasure” who “brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms”.
Mr Willson became a household name as one of the original presenters of the BBC’s Top Gear from 1991 to 2001, where he worked alongside Mr Clarkson to transform the programme into a global phenomenon.
After the show’s initial cancellation, he moved to Channel 5 to present the rival motoring programme Fifth Gear.
Mr May was the first Top Gear star to pay tribute to Mr Willson on Saturday afternoon, branding him a “top bloke” in his heartfelt statement.
On Saturday evening, Mr Clarkson followed suit, taking to X to address the sad news of his former colleague’s passing.
“I’m far away, so I’ve only just heard that Quentin Willson has died,” he penned in view of his 7.8 million followers. “We had some laughs over the years. Properly funny man.”
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.
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) November 8, 2025
When one X user questioned if Mr Clarkson’s tribute was “heartfelt” enough, he promptly fired back: “‘Properly funny man’ is literally the highest accolade you can bestow on someone.”
Inevitably, several of Mr Clarkson’s fans rushed to echo the sentiment of the Clarkson’s Farm star. “Just seen this too. Thoughts are with his family,” one X user wrote in response.
A second echoed: “A true original. He made cars feel like characters in a story, not just metal and engine. The world of motoring journalism lost one of its few genuine personalities. Hope he’s giving St. Peter a lesson on classic British sports cars.”
Elsewhere, a third penned: “This is the kind of tribute that truly honors someone, remembering the specific, personal joy they brought. ‘Properly funny man’ says it all. So sorry for your loss.”
And a fourth simply put: “Sad to hear about Quentin. I first watched TG when he presented it.” (sic)
Mr Willson’s television portfolio extended beyond motoring magazines, as he created and fronted popular shows including Britain’s Worst Drivers.
In 2004, he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, where he earned the unfortunate distinction of achieving the programme’s lowest score in its entire history.
Beyond his broadcasting work, Mr Willson became a prominent consumer advocate through his campaigning efforts. His FairFuel initiative successfully lobbied against fuel duty increases, preventing more than £100 billion in additional taxation for UK motorists.
Mr Willson demonstrated remarkable foresight in automotive technology, advocating for the GM EV1 electric vehicle well before environmental concerns made such vehicles mainstream.
His family noted he was “always ahead of the curve” in recognising the potential of electric motoring.
In recent years, he launched the FairCharge campaign, working relentlessly to improve the affordability of electric vehicles for ordinary consumers.
Jeremy Clarkson has paid tribute to Quentin Willson
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GETTYMr Willson leaves behind his wife Michaela, three children named Mercedes, Max and Mini, and three grandchildren – Saskia, Xander and Roxana. His family requested that their privacy be respected during this difficult period, whilst expressing gratitude for messages of condolence.
Details of funeral arrangements will be shared at a later date, the family confirmed.