Comedian Jon Richardson has announced he is quitting comedy to become a teacher.
The 42-year-old revealed his career change in a video message posted on Instagram on Monday evening.
Richardson explained that after taking a break from stand-up, he decided to pursue an alternative career path mentioned in a diary entry he wrote as a teenager in 1997.
The career shift comes approximately a year after his divorce from fellow comedian Lucy Beaumont, with whom he shares an eight-year-old daughter.
Jon Richardson has announced he's swapping comedy for teaching
Getty
In his Instagram video, Richardson told his 187,000 followers: "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."
He shared a handwritten diary entry from when he was 14 that read: "I've decided that although I'll probably end up being a teacher, I'd love to be a comedian."
"I've loved being a comedian, it was absolutely the right choice. But I've decided that it would've been nice to try the other option," Richardson explained.
The Lancaster-born comedian began his career after university, initially working as a chef before pursuing stand-up comedy.
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He got his big break when he won his heat of the BBC New Talent Comedy Search in 2003.
Richardson has since become a familiar face on television panel shows including 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Have I Got News for You, and Would I Lie To You?
He has also toured extensively with his stand-up shows and hosted programmes on both BBC and Absolute Radio.
Richardson and Beaumont announced their separation in April 2024 after nine years of marriage.
The couple had starred together in their own show, Meet the Richardsons, which began airing in 2020.
In a statement at the time, they said: "We have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go our separate ways."
Reports suggest the couple have settled their divorce, with Richardson giving Beaumont a £1.625 million payout for her shares in a company they jointly directed.
The pair had built a fortune of £6 million together before their split.
Jon Richardson made the shock announcement on social media
Fellow comedians were quick to respond to Richardson's announcement with supportive messages.
Josh Widdicombe commented in his typical witty style: "Comedy's loss is teaching's loss".
Aisling Bea wrote enthusiastically: "OH MY GOD THE LUCKY CLASSROOM THAT GETS YOU JON BOY! X".
Fans also shared their reactions, with one writing: "Congrats!! Lucky kids! - I'm hoping a career in teaching will make you want to do stand-up!"
Another fan expressed they were "gutted" as Richardson is their "favourite comedian" but wished him luck in his "new chapter".
Others shared their hopes that the announcement was an "early April fools' joke".
Richardson revealed he has already been training and has accepted a teaching position.
"I've been doing some training, I've taken a teaching position. I will update you as and when I can," he told followers.
The comedian promised to keep fans informed about his new career path.
"That's all from me for now, just to let you know that's where I've been. I'll keep you posted," he added.
This significant career change marks a new chapter for the popular comedian as he transitions from entertainment to education.
