Just Add Milk (JAM) is delighted to announce the seven actors shortlisted for the 2026 Luke Westlake Scholarship, continuing our mission to champion and support the next generation of working-class actors.
Now entering its eighth year, the scholarship was established in memory of actor Luke Westlake and provides a platform for talented actors from working-class and low-income backgrounds who are currently training at drama schools across the UK.
This year's shortlist features seven outstanding actors from some of the country's leading drama schools:
| Shortlisted Actor | Drama School |
|---|---|
| Kit Riou | Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama |
| Katie Wiggan | ArtsEd |
| Savannah Campbell-La’Val | LAMDA |
| Starr Rigault | Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama |
| Millicent Mackenzie | Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama |
| Jake Hawkins | Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama |
| Thando Sibanda | RADA |
The shortlisted actors (L-R)
The shortlist represents three of the UK's leading drama schools, with four actors from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, alongside finalists from ArtsEd, LAMDA and RADA.
Over £6,000 in prizes, opportunities and industry support
The Luke Westlake Scholarship offers over £6,000 worth of financial and developmental support, helping one actor make the often challenging transition from drama school into the professional industry.
The prize package includes professional headshots, Spotlight membership, industry subscriptions, training opportunities, theatre vouchers, financial assistance and one-to-one meetings with leading agents and casting directors.
BAFTA Partnership
Continuing its partnership with BAFTA, all seven shortlisted actors will also be eligible to apply for the prestigious BAFTA Prince William Bursary following graduation from their training. This provides a further opportunity for emerging performers to access financial support as they take their first steps into the professional industry.
Previous scholarship winners and shortlisted actors have gone on to secure roles across major television productions, films and theatre, with alumni appearing in productions for the BBC, ITV, Netflix, the Royal Shakespeare Company and beyond.
The 2026 Awards Evening
The winner of the 2026 Luke Westlake Scholarship will be announced at a special awards evening at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre on Thursday 3 December 2026.
The celebrations will begin at 6.30pm, with the awards ceremony taking place from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, followed by further celebrations with the shortlisted actors, industry guests, supporters and the Westlake family.
A huge congratulations to all seven shortlisted actors. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and announcing this year's winner!
Find out more about the scholarship and this year's prize package on our Luke Westlake Scholarship 2026 page.
