BBC Comedy and BBC Writersroom have launched the Felix Dexter Bursary for Comedy Writers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds

BBC Comedy Commissioning has today invited comedy writers from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to apply for a new, six-month traineeship.

The Felix Dexter Bursary honours the late comedy actor and writer who was named Time Out comedian of the year and featured in BBC comedies including The Fast Show, Absolutely Fabulous and Citizen Khan.  The aim of the initiative is to help address the under-representation of minorities in comedy.

The BBC is looking for talented people who are writing comedy professionally or as a pastime and would benefit from dedicated training and unrivalled insight into the world of BBC Comedy.

Two successful applicants will gain unique experience of programme-making in the UK’s biggest comedy department, where they can develop their skills and contacts and hone their craft across radio and television comedy, with access to top-tier productions and expertise.

Chair of the Felix Dexter Foundation Geoff Schumann welcomed the bursary as a way for Felix Dexter’s legacy to continue to shine and in honour of “a comical genius who brought joy to many”.

Comedian Paul Whitehouse, a Foundation Trustee, said: “It’s great that the bursary is being launched by the BBC in Felix Dexter's honour. He was a brilliant comedian and friend despite being an Arsenal fan”.

BBC Comedy Commissioner Shane Allen said: “Today’s an exciting moment for the BBC as one of its comedy heroes will now live on by inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. We recognise that now, more than ever before, there’s a need to kick open doors and encourage exciting new writing talent who can further the legacy that Felix pioneered.  This is not just another come and go scheme – it’s a traineeship for high potential comedy writers from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds – launched in association with the Felix Dexter Foundation.”

To apply for the bursary, writers must be knowledgeable about TV British comedy and TV in general. They don’t need a formal writing credit to be considered, but must have experience both of writing to a brief set by others and working to deadlines.

Applications for the Felix Dexter Bursary are open now until 5pm on Monday 12th June 2017.

Full details of the application process can be found on BBC Writersroom.