Top Gear team ‘saddened’ by death of former presenter Sue Baker, 75

The Top Gear team has remembered “muchloved” former presenter Sue Baker as an “exceptional motoring journalist” after her death at the age of 75.

The writer and TV presenter had been suffering from motor neurone disease (MND) and died at home on Monday with her family around her, a statement on her Twitter confirmed.

It continued: “It is with great sadness, that we share the news of Sue’s passing. A doting mother to Ian and Hannah, a loving grandmother to Tom and George, and a wonderful mother-in-law to Lucy.

“She was a talented and prolific writer, a charismatic TV presenter, and a passionate animal lover.

“She had a life and career that many would envy, but did it all with such grace that she was admired and respected by all who knew her. We know she meant so much to so many.”

Baker was among the earliest presenters of BBC’S Top Gear, joining the original format of the motoring series in 1980.

She appeared on the programme until 1991 when she left to continue her work as a journalist, including as The Observer’s motoring editor for 13 years.

Top Gear presenter Chris Harris said: “Very sad to hear that Sue Baker has passed away. She was part of the Top Gear team that got me hooked on cars in the ’80s.”

A statement from the team behind the BBC show said: “The entire Top Gear team are very saddened to hear about Sue. She was an exceptional motoring journalist and a muchloved former presenter.”

British racing driver and former Top Gear presenter Tiff Needell tweeted: “Part of my original @Bbc-topgear team and a brilliant car journalist for many years after.”

Richard Aucock, chairman of the Guild of Motoring Writers, said: “Sue was a trail-blazing motoring writer who became famous to millions for her work on Top Gear, but was admired and loved by all in the automotive industry throughout her career.”

Sue Baker.