, best known for hosting , left behind an estate worth over £4million when he passed away almost two decades ago.
The details of his estate showed just who the fortune will go to – and who was left out.
The television presenter, who was known for his colourful wardrobe and charming personality, died unexpectedly in June 2005 at the age of 61.
While his will generously provided for his son James, and some other close connections, it overlooked two significant figures from his past.
Richard’s son James Ebbetts Wilson, now 37, was named as the primary beneficiary.
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Some people have been left surprised by who was excluded from Richard Whiteley’s will (Image: Getty)
James inherited a substantial portion of his father’s estate – including a stake in his Chiswick house, and the majority of the estate’s residual value.
However, James’ mother Lesley Ebbetts was not mentioned in the will.
Lesley and Richard separated shortly after James was born.
She has declined to comment directly on the omission of her name from Richard’s will, but issued a statement on behalf of herself and her son, saying: “The loss of Richard left a huge and devastating hole for us.”
While he was alive Richard hosted Countdown alongside Carol Vorderman (Image: Getty)
Richard’s first wife, Caroline Shaw, also received nothing from him.
The presenter married Caroline in 1973, but the pair separated 18 months later.
Their split seemed to be amicable, as she has since described him as “terribly kind and generous.”
She added: “The public perception of him is very different to the private man… He inspired tremendous loyalty in people.”
Despite these sentiments, she was also excluded from the will.
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The mother of his son was not included as a beneficiary in his will (Image: Getty)
After taxes, Richard’s estate includes property and investments valued at approximately £2.5million.
His main residence in Burley Woodhead, near Ilkley, West Yorkshire, was valued at £1.5million.
Some of the other beneficiaries of his will included Kathryn Apanowicz, Richard’s partner of 11 years, and Jeni Cropper, who was in a 15-year relationship with him during the 1970s and 80s.
Former actress Kathryn was left Richard’s holiday home in East Witton, the Old Parsonage, which at the time was worth an estimated £250,000, along with half of his pension fund.
Meanwhile Jeni received his investment in a riverside apartment development in Leeds.
Richard’s old school Giggleswick where he had been a governor for 25 years, was also a significant beneficiary.
The school received 35% of his estate’s remaining value.
Headmaster Geoffrey Boult expressed gratitude for the donation, calling Whiteley “a truly remarkable man who was committed to his former school.”