The TV presenter d!ed following a short battle with lung cancer, his family has said

Former Top Gear presenter and Strictly Come Dancing competitor Quentin Willson has d!ed aged 68.

His family confirmed the news in a statement shared on Saturday, explaining that the veteran broadcaster had been battling lung cancer.

The full statement said: “The family of Quentin Willson, television presenter and producer, motoring journalist, author, and campaigner, wish to announce that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday 8th November, following a short battle with lung cancer. He was 68.

“A true national treasure, Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms.

“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.

“He went on to front Fifth Gear and still holds the dubious honour of Strictly Come Dancing’s lowest score in history.

“Through his FairFuel campaign, Quentin saved UK consumers a fortune by helping to freeze fuel duty. Over £100 billion in fresh taxation was prevented by the campaign, a real consumer win by a true consumer champion.

“He also created and presented much-loved programmes such as Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Cars the Star.

Quentin Willson

| PA

“Long before it was fashionable, he championed the GM EV1 and the promise of electric cars, proving he was always ahead of the curve.

“More recently he had worked tirelessly to make EVs affordable for all, via his FairCharge campaign.

“Much-loved husband to Michaela, devoted father to Mercedes, Max and Mini, and cherished grandfather to Saskia, Xander & Roxana. Quentin will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him personally and professionally.

“While messages of condolence are warmly appreciated, the family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.