Jon Richardson, a beloved figure in the comedy world, has made headlines with a surprising announcement that has left fans both shocked and intrigued. The 42-year-old stand-up comedian, known for his appearances on shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats and Taskmaster, revealed on March 31, 2025, that he is stepping away from the comedy scene to pursue a career in teaching.
In a candid video posted to Instagram, Richardson shared his thoughts with his 187,000 followers while taking a stroll. "I just thought I’d give you a little update. I don’t really do social media updates, and I’ll tell you why – because I don’t think anyone cares! But I have a little bit of news..." he began, setting the stage for what many initially believed to be a serious career shift.
Richardson reflected on a diary entry he found from 1997, when he was just 14 years old. The entry read, "Although I would love to be a stand-up comedian, I’ll probably end up being a teacher." He explained, "I’ve been thinking a lot about that. I’ve loved being a comedian; it was absolutely the right choice. But I’ve decided it would’ve been nice to try the other option, so that’s exactly what I’m gonna do." He confirmed that he had been training and had accepted a teaching position.
However, the announcement took a twist when it was revealed that this was all part of a publicity stunt. Just a day later, on April 1, the official account for the BBC’s school-based drama Waterloo Road announced that Richardson would be joining the cast, confirming that he was not quitting comedy but rather shifting to a new role in television. The news was accompanied by the hashtag #aprilfool, indicating the playful nature of the reveal.
Richardson humorously commented on the role, stating, "I would say that joining Waterloo Road is a dream come true, but in truth, most of my dreams about school revolve around not having done my homework or putting on my uniform." He expressed excitement about the opportunity while acknowledging the mixed reactions from fans and fellow comedians.
Following his announcement, fellow comedians offered their support. Romesh Ranganathan, himself a former teacher, wrote, "You’re going to be brilliant mate," while Josh Widdicombe quipped, "Comedy’s loss is teaching’s loss." Fans, however, were left confused, with many wondering if the initial announcement was an elaborate April Fool's joke.
Richardson's career in comedy has spanned over 15 years. He gained fame after winning his heat of the BBC New Talent Comedy Search in 2003, and his unique blend of observational humor and witty commentary has made him a household name in the UK. He has toured extensively, hosted radio shows, and appeared on numerous television panel shows, including Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Have I Got News for You.
In addition to his professional life, Richardson's personal life has also been in the spotlight. He announced his separation from his wife, Lucy Beaumont, in April 2024 after nine years of marriage. The couple, who share an eight-year-old daughter named Elsie, released a joint statement at the time, saying, "We have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go our separate ways. As our only priority is managing this difficult transition for our daughter, we would ask that our privacy is respected at this sensitive time to protect her well-being." Following their separation, Richardson reportedly paid Beaumont £1.625 million for her stake in a joint business they shared, concluding their personal and professional partnership.
Despite the upheaval in his personal life, Richardson's humor and resilience have shone through. His decision to explore teaching, even if briefly, reflects a desire to reconnect with his roots and explore a long-held dream. As he transitions into this new phase, it remains to be seen how he will balance the demands of acting with his comedic legacy.
Fans can still catch Richardson on Channel 4's 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, where he continues to charm viewers with his sharp wit and comedic timing. The future is bright for this multi-talented entertainer, who has shown that he can pivot gracefully from one career to another while keeping his audience engaged and entertained.
In a world where career paths are often rigid, Richardson's journey serves as a reminder that it's never too late to explore new options and follow one's passions, even if it means stepping away from the spotlight for a while. Whether in the classroom or on screen, Jon Richardson is sure to make an impact.
