Jon Richardson’s teaching job revealed after star shocks fans by ‘quitting stand-up’

COMEDIAN Jon Richardson has revealed the truth behind his quitting comedy for teaching post - he’s joining Waterloo Road.

The funnyman, who split from his wife Lucy Beaumont last year, claimed not be returning to stand-up after taking a break - instead he would be pursuing his dreams of teaching.

Jon Richardson in a dark suit. — Jon Richardson has joined Waterloo Road and revealed his new teaching jobCredit: BBC

Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont at the BAFTA Television Awards. — Jon split from wife Lucy last yearCredit: Getty

However now the Waterloo Road Instagram account has revealed it was all an early April Fool’s joke.

Sharing a picture of Jon on set, the post read: “Dear parents/guardians,

“You may have heard Jon Richardson is going through a huge career change…

“We’re pleased to share with you the newest addition to the #WaterlooRoad teaching staff.

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“He’ll be joining us next term. #AprilFools #JonRichardson #WaterlooRoad #Comedy #Teaching.”

In a statement Jon Richardson said: "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.

“I wanted to be a teacher growing up so hopefully this role will put all those ambitions to bed, and I can stop telling my friends and family that I will be testing them on what I’ve been saying or telling audiences on tour that it’s their own time they’re wasting."

Waterloo Road boss Cameron Roach added: “Waterloo Road always strives to strike the right balance between big emotion and comedy, and we feel we've struck gold in casting Jon Richardson as a new media studies teacher at Waterloo Road.

“Not only does Jon have brilliant comic timing, his dramatic performance will surprise and delight his fans in equal measure.

“Next term promises laughter, tears and whole lot of mayhem.”

Moment Lucy Beaumount joked about divorce from Jon Richardson a year before couple revealed split

Jon joins Lindsey Coulson, who will continue in her role as Dame Stella Drake, Waterloo Road’s new head, and Jason Merrells, who reprised his role as Jack Rimmer as a guest in the most recent series and will return as a regular main cast member in the next series.

Jon sparked concern from fans yesterday with a video announcing his retirement from comedy.

He said: "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.

Key art for Waterloo Road series 15, featuring the cast. — Jon is joining the cast of the show for the new series coming later this yearCredit: BBC

Portrait of Stella Drake in a red dress for Waterloo Road series 15. — Former EastEnders star Lindsay Coulson plays the current headmistress of the schoolCredit: BBC

"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.

"I've been thinking a lot about a diary entry that I found from 1997."

Jon shared the handwritten entry, which he says he wrote when he was 14, that said: "Although I would love to be a stand-up comedian, I'll probably end up being a teacher."

The 8 Out Of 10 Cats star continued: "I've been thinking a lot about that and I loved being a comedian, it was absolutely the right choice, I have decided it would have been nice to try the other option."