Former Top Gear presenters lead tributes to Formula One ‘legend’ Eddie Jordan
Tributes have poured in after his death at the age of 76
Former Top Gear presenters have led the tributes to Eddie Jordan after his death at the age of 76.
Rory Reid described his former co-star as a “legend” while Chris Harris said the former Formula One team owner was a “pure force of nature”.
Jordan, who disclosed in December that he had been diagnosed with cancer, appeared on the BBC motoring show between 2016 and 2018.
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Also paying tribute was TV and radio presenter Chris Evans, who said: “Clearly he was encouraging us all to get checked, because we do know that various forms of cancer, the majority of forms of cancer, are now eminently curable if you catch them early enough – prostate cancer being one of them.”
Jordan disclosed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer, which spread to his spine and pelvis.
Evans, 58, has spoken about his own skin cancer diagnosis in August 2023.
He was cancer-free eight weeks later thanks to an early diagnosis.
“Seventy-six, too young, too young, too young, too young – too young for anyone,” he said on his Virgin Radio breakfast show.
“The thing is, though, Eddie sang from the hymn sheet that says ‘live life as deeply as you can every single day, every single day’.
“Because Eddie lived a thousand lifetimes and he was a real liver of life. If you really are a liver of life, then life loves you for it and gives you more.”
Reid, 45, posted a selection of photos of him with Jordan and wrote: “Rest easy, Eddie Jordan.
“You always had time for me from day one… from racing boats off the coast of Monte Carlo, to trying to get me to freestyle rap while you played the spoons in Surrey… to doing everything you did for F1 and beyond.
“You left your mark. Legend.”
Journalist Harris, 50, posted a photo of them with their co-host Matt LeBlanc, sleeping in a triple bunk bed.
In a post on Instagram, Harris said: “Sleep well Eddie. You crammed more into life than just about anyone else.
“A pure force of nature. Funny, impish, clever, calculating and kind. They don’t make them like that any more. RIP.”
Jake Humphrey, who had presented coverage of Formula One on the BBC alongside Jordan, said he was “utterly devastated”.
Eddie Jordan, David Coulthard and Jake Humphrey present a piece on camera for the BBC
“Formula One won’t see the likes of Eddie ever again where a guy with a love for racing can hustle his way into the sport and end up winning races,” he said in a social media post.
“More important than race wins though, he won hearts. I will never forget how his face would always light up whenever he saw a Jordan GP jacket, flag or cap… as we travelled the world together years after the team had been sold.
“His greatest achievements were Miki, Zoe, Kyle and Zak. His incredible 4 kids who share his spirit. His wife Marie is one of the strongest, most wonderful women I have ever met.
“The 4 years we spent together hosting F1 on the BBC were greatest of my career. Wing-walking, scooter riding, car driving madness that I know he loved deeply.
Utterly devastated.
EJ has left us.
Formula One won’t see the likes of Eddie ever again where a guy with a love for racing can hustle his way into the sport and end up winning races.
More important than race wins though, he won hearts. I will never forget how his face would… pic.twitter.com/GarukuYLDS
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) March 20, 2025
“His incredible spirit and love of life lives on in me, and my children who were lucky enough to meet him and hear all about him.
“Eddie lit up a room whenever he entered it. That is a lesson for us all – be the light in the room.”
He added: “I was lucky enough to share one, final, cherished meal with him and his boys a few months ago. It was special. We talked about me doing one last interview with him. Sadly that will never happen.
“As I left his departing words were ‘I love you brother’. I love you. Brother.”
Another tribute came from journalist and TV presenter Lee McKenzie, who, with Jordan, was part of the presenting team for Channel 4’s coverage of the Formula One World Championship in 2016.
She posted a photo of her with Jordan on X and said: “There will never be anyone like him. A true friend. Thank you for everything, EJ.”
A statement from Jordan’s family to the PA news agency on Thursday read: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Jordan OBE, the ex-Formula 1 team owner, TV pundit and entrepreneur.”
The Press Association
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