Top Gear has graced British TV screens since 1977 and the one of the most memorable female presenters to ever host the motoring magazine programme was none other than Sue Baker.
Sue kickstarted a legion of presenters who went on to follow in her footsteps, including Noel Edmonds, Matt LeBlanc, and Jeremy Clarkson.
Shockwaves were sent on Monday when it was confirmed that Sue had died at the age of 67 after a battle with motor neurone disease.
The family of the journalist confirmed the sad news in a statement which read: "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."
They went on to describe her as a "talented and prolific writer, a charismatic TV presenter, and a passionate animal lover".
Speaking of her life and career, they added: "She 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."
Sue joined the show in series 4 in 1980 and was an integral figure for 11 years before finally moving aside for Jeremy Clarkson.
She was seen as a trail blazer for woman in motoring and inspired other hopeful female presenters including Vicky Butler-Henderson and Kate Humble who would ultimately go on to follow in her footsteps of Top Gear host.
While Sue is included in the All-star list of Top Gear hosts, there are a number of presenters who have seemingly been forgotten down through the years following their brief stints on the motoring magazine show.
Here, we take a look back at some of Top Gear hosts who you have probably forgotten about.
Angela Rippon
Angela Rippon was a presenter on the original format of Top Gear from the regional shows which aired in 1977 through to Series 2 in 1979.
She would appear in 28 episodes, and served as the show's first main host. She was also the show's first female host, and the show's first of only two female main hosts, the other being Judith Jackson, who joined Rippon in some of her earliest appearances.
These days, Angela is better known for hosting Rip off Britain.
Noel Edmonds
Noel Edmunds has been part and parcel of Britain’s television since the 70s, and in 1979, he made it on to the Top Gear line up.
After Angela Rippon left the programme after its second series, the responsibility of presenting Top Gear was assigned to Noel, who maintained the role of the main presenter for two series before being replaced by William Woollard in 1981.
Noel didn't last long in the hot seat, and is probably best remembered today for the his Saturday Night show Noel’s House Party, featuring none other than Mr Blobby.
Vicky Butler-Henderson
Vicky Butler-Henderson is much better known as a Fifth Gear presenter rather than Top Gear, but she did feature on the BBC show in back 1997.
The racing car driver presented the show from Series 32 in 1994 through to Series 45 in 2001, turning full-time after the departure of Chris Goffey in 1997.
She went on to appear in over 108 episodes and would frequently present segments with Tiff Needell, due to the pair's professional motor racing background.
After the show's cancellation in August 2001, Vicky entered talks with Richard Pearson - a producer and director who had left the BBC for Channel 5 in order to produce Fifth Gear - which began airing in April 2002.
At the time of her departure in 2001, Vicky was the 7th longest serving host of the show.
In 2019, she was named the 9th greatest Top Gear host of all time.
Brendan Coogan
Brendan Coogan - brother of comedian Steve Coogan- was a presenter on the original format of Top Gear for Series 41.
He was intended to become a full-time presenter of the show, as one of many of Jeremy Clarkson's proposed replacements, but was relieved of his role after just six episodes following a drink-drive conviction, which he plead guilty to in 1999.
Following his brief stint on the show, Coogan became employed by Granada Television, whose rival automotive shows aired on digital channel Men & Motors.
He went on to present programmes such as Motor Week alongside fellow former Top Gear host Chris Goffey and future Top Gear host Richard Hammond.
Jason Dawe
Jason Dawe was a presenter on Top Gear for its first series after it was relaunched in 2002 following the conclusion of the original format.
His main part in the show was to present different bargains for used cars, as opposed to the super car reviews and entertaining motoring challenges, which were done by the two other presenters, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond.
Following a restructuring over the Christmas period, it was decided that James May, who had previously hosted Series 41 of the show in 1999, would replace Jason as the third presenter in Top Gear's second post-relaunch series.
In total, Jason starred in 10 episodes of Top Gear. He notably presented more episodes than Chris Evans, who became Clarkson's successor as main host in 2015, lasting just 6 episodes before quitting.
Jason then went on to co-host the Used Car Roadshow with Penny Mallory, broadcast on ITV4 and Men & Motors between 2005 and 2007 after being dismissed from Top Gear.
Matt LeBlanc
Friends star Matt LeBlanc became the lead presenter of Top Gear following his predecessor, Chris Evans, quitting after just one series.
The American actor took over the role from Series 24 through to Series 26, before leaving the show in 2019.
The reason for his departure was down to his geographical location.
In a statement released at the time, LeBlanc explained: "The time commitment and extensive travel required to present Top Gear takes me away from my family and friends more than I’m comfortable with.
"It’s unfortunate, but for these reasons, I will not be continuing my involvement with the show. I will forever be a Top Gear fan and I wish the team continued success. Thanks for a great drive."
After his departure from the show, it was Paddy McGuiness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris who led the way in the car-focused show.
