In a surprising turn of events, British comedian Jon Richardson has announced that he is stepping away from his successful comedy career to pursue an entirely different path, leaving fans and the entertainment industry reeling. The 42-year-old star, known for his sharp wit and appearances on shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Meet the Richardsons, shared the news on March 31, 2025, via a candid Instagram video, sparking a wave of reactions across social media and beyond. This career shift comes on the heels of a tumultuous year for Richardson, following his high-profile divorce from fellow comedian Lucy Beaumont in April 2024, raising questions about the motivations behind his decision and what lies ahead for the beloved funnyman.

Richardson, who has been a mainstay in the UK comedy scene for over two decades, revealed his decision while taking a walk, bundled up against the cold, speaking directly to his 187,000 Instagram followers. “I just thought I’d give you a little update,” he began, acknowledging his usual reluctance to share personal news on social media. “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. I’ve obviously been taking a little bit of a break from stand-up, and it’s really made me… want to carry on taking a break from stand-up.” The comedian then reflected on a diary entry from 1997, when he was just 14 years old, which he displayed on screen. The handwritten note read: “Although I would love to be a stand-up comedian, I’ll probably end up being a teacher.”

This glimpse into his teenage aspirations set the stage for Richardson’s bombshell announcement: he is leaving comedy to become a teacher. “I’ve loved being a comedian, it was absolutely the right choice,” he admitted. “But I’ve decided it would’ve been nice to try the other option, so that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.” He revealed that he has already taken steps toward this new career, stating, “I’ve been doing some training, I’ve taken a teaching position. I will update you as and when I can, but that’s all from me for now, just to let you know where I’ve been. I’ll keep you posted.” The news, initially met with disbelief, was later clarified on April 1, 2025, as part of a publicity stunt—Richardson isn’t quitting comedy entirely but is instead joining the cast of BBC’s school-based drama Waterloo Road as a media studies teacher, fulfilling his childhood dream in a fictional setting.

The announcement initially left fans stunned, with many expressing their shock and support on platforms like X. One user wrote, “Congrats!! Lucky kids! I’m hoping a career in teaching will make you want to do stand-up!” while another, clearly devastated, noted, “Gutted as Richardson is my favourite comedian, but I wish him luck in this new chapter.” Some speculated it might be an April Fool’s prank, a suspicion that proved partially correct when the Waterloo Road casting was revealed. Richardson himself leaned into the humor of the situation, saying, “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 put on my uniform.” He added, “I wanted to be a teacher growing up, so hopefully this role will put all those ambitions to bed.”

Richardson’s career change, even if dramatized, comes at a pivotal moment in his life. His divorce from Lucy Beaumont, with whom he shares an eight-year-old daughter, Elsie, was finalized in 2024, with reports indicating a £1.625 million payout to Beaumont for her shares in their joint company, part of a £6 million fortune they had built together. The couple, who starred in the mockumentary Meet the Richardsons, announced their split with a joint statement: “We have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go our separate ways.” The end of their personal and professional partnership marked a significant shift for Richardson, who has since spoken about the joys of single life, including humorous anecdotes about no longer needing to mask bathroom noises in hotel rooms.

The move to Waterloo Road, set to air later in 2025, promises to showcase a new side of Richardson, with the show’s executive producer, Cameron Roach, praising his ability to balance “big emotion and comedy.” While Richardson isn’t leaving comedy behind entirely—he remains a fixture on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown—his foray into acting signals a desire to explore new creative avenues. As fans await his debut as a teacher on screen, Richardson’s journey serves as a reminder that even the most established stars can seek reinvention, blending past dreams with present realities in unexpected ways.