Overview
- Willson's family confirmed he died on Saturday, 8 November, following a brief illness and asked for privacy, adding that funeral details will be announced in due course.
- A key figure on the original BBC Top Gear from 1991 to 2001, he later fronted Channel 5’s Fifth Gear and created shows including Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Car’s The Star.
- Tributes from former colleagues poured in, with Jeremy Clarkson calling him a “properly funny man,” James May crediting his early guidance, and Tiff Needell sharing memories from the 1990s Top Gear era.
- Beyond broadcasting, he campaigned on motoring issues through FairFuelUK and FairCharge; his family credited the FairFuel effort with helping to freeze fuel duty and claimed it prevented over £100 billion in extra taxation.
- He is survived by his wife, Michaela, his children Mercedes, Max and Mini, and grandchildren Saskia, Xander and Roxana.