Scholarship tribute to Countdown host

A training scholarship will be launched today in memory of Countdown presenter Richard Whiteley.

An award is to be given annually to somebody living in Yorkshire, who has the talent and ability to make a career in television.

The first Richard Whiteley Scholarship to be offered is for a place on the ARTTS Skillcentre Production Operations Diploma starting this October.

This is a 40-week intensive residential course in production skills at the centre in North Yorkshire.

The £10,900 (€15,800) scholarship, which has been established by Channel 4, will cover the cost of the student’s fees, equipment and accommodation.

Last week, Whiteley’s long-term partner Kathryn Apanowicz said: “I think Richard would be absolutely chuffed to bits to have an active form of memorial, as this scholarship will become.

“As well as all the puns, the jokes and the light-heartedness of Countdown, I don’t think people realised he came to Yorkshire Television from ITN, a network news agency.

“He was a very hard-working person who would be thrilled with this tribute.”

Channel 4’s chief executive Andy Duncan says: “We have created this scholarship as a lasting tribute, and I hope a fitting one, to Richard’s memory.

“The scheme will provide practical support for emerging TV talent in Yorkshire, a region of which Richard was immensely proud and where, as we all know, he built his own TV career.”

The scholarship will be launched at the ARTTS Skillcentre at Bubwith, North Yorkshire, at noon today.