Tragic news.
Top Gear presenter Sue Baker has sadly died at the age of 67.
The star, who appeared in more than 100 episodes of the flagship BBC show, battled motor neurone disease. Her family confirmed in a statement:
"It is with very 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, a wonderful mother-in-law to Lucy. She passed at home this morning with family around her."
The statement added: "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. Thank you to everyone who has supported her over the last few years as she battled with MND.”
'A wonderful person, brilliant journalist, and a dear friend'
Sue Baker joined the BBC show in 1980, for its fourth series, and only moved aside when Jeremy Clarkson took the reins. In all, she presented 113 episodes of the programme.
Baker was also involved in setting up and running the Motor Racing News Service and held the position of motoring editor at the Observer for 13 years before going on to work as a freelance writer.
Motoring editor for the Sunday Independent, Geraldine Herbert commented: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sue Baker. She was a wonderful person, a brilliant journalist, and a dear friend.
"A former Top Gear presenter and motoring editor at the Observer, she blazed a trail for women in a man’s world.”
The Guild of Motoring Writers also offered a statement which read: "Sue was a pioneer for women in automotive journalism."
Tributes have already been pouring in for Baker online, with one fan tweeting: "Sorry to hear that Sue Baker has died - a pioneer for women on TV."
"Very sad to hear about the indomitable Sue Baker. RIP you utter legend," another wrote on Twitter.
