In a statement, his family said he passed away peacefully on Saturday 8 November, surrounded by loved ones, following a short battle with lung cancer.
Born in Leicester in 1957, Willson became a household name as one of the original presenters of Top Gear, helping to shape the format alongside Jeremy Clarkson and others as the show grew into a global success. He later fronted Fifth Gear and created popular programmes including Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Cars the Star.
His family described him as “a true national treasure” who “brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms.”
Willson was also known for his campaigning work. Through the FairFuelUK campaign, he lobbied successfully to freeze fuel duty, which his family said saved UK consumers billions of pounds. More recently, he founded FairCharge, pressing for affordable electric vehicles and wider EV adoption.
Long before electric cars became mainstream, he championed the GM EV1 and the promise of cleaner motoring. His family said this showed how he was “always ahead of the curve.”
Away from broadcasting and campaigning, Willson was remembered as a much‑loved husband to Michaela, devoted father to Mercedes, Max and Mini, and cherished grandfather to Saskia, Xander and Roxana.
His family added:
“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.”
