Former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson dies aged 68

They described him as a "national treasure" and "true consumer champion", adding: "Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms."

They went on to say: "The void he has left can never be filled. His knowledge was not just learned but lived; a library of experience now beyond our reach."

May, who went on to become part of the revived Top Gear presenting team, wrote on X that Willson "gave me proper advice and encouragement during my earliest attempts at TV, back in the late 90s", adding: "I've never forgotten it."

Clarkson recalled: "We had some laughs over the years."

Willson was also an early proponent of EVs, lobbying for better infrastructure and lower charging costs through his FairCharge campaign.

The family statement highlighted his championing of General Motors' EV1 electric car in the 1990s, saying it proved he was "always ahead of the curve".

"More recently he had worked tirelessly to make EVs affordable for all," they added.

"Quentin will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him personally and professionally."

AA president Edmund King said he was "devastated" by Willson's death, calling him a "brilliant TV presenter" and an "amazing campaigner".

"He will be missed by all."

Willson was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, where his eight-point total for one routine still stands as the lowest score given by judges on the show.

He told the Independent three years later that he was "very proud" to have recorded the score.

"Builders ran up to me to shake my hand because I failed so badly. I tried, but I was the dancing equivalent of a JCB," the presenter said of his Cha Cha Cha.

Willson is survived by his wife, Michaela, his three children and three grandchildren.