While becoming a comedian was once all Jon Richardson ever wanted, he’s now decided to pursue another passion.
The stand-up comedian recently took a break from the industry, which made him reevaluate his life and where he wants to be.
Consequently, he’s decided to lengthen his showbiz hiatus and become a teacher.
Taking to Instagram today, the 42-year-old began in a video message: ‘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 continued: ‘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 I found from 1997.’
The handwritten entry from when Jon was 14 then flashed on the screen, reading: ‘I’ve decided that although I’ll probably end up being a teacher, I’d love to be a comedian.’
Jon continued to his 187k followers: ‘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, so that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.’
He went on to reveal that he’s been training and has taken on a teaching position.
‘I will update you as and when I can,’ he vowed, ‘but that’s all from me for now, just to let you know that’s where I’ve been. I’ll keep you posted.’
The TV star was quickly inundated with supportive messages from both fans and fellow comics.
In typically witty fashion, Josh Widdicombe commented: ‘Comedy’s loss is teaching’s loss’.
‘OH MY GOD THE LUCKY CLASSROOM THAT GETS YOU JON BOY! X’, declared Aisling Bea.
Laura Smyth wrote: ‘Congrats!! Lucky kids! – I’m hoping a career in teaching will make you want to do stand-up! ❤️’
Meanwhile, @spinninalb said they were ‘gutted’ as Jon is their ‘favourite comedian’, however, they are wishing him luck in his ‘new chapter’.
‘You have to do exactly what’s right for you, Jon. Good luck with everything ❤️’, echoed @jo.madeley68.
Lancaster-born Jon took his first baby steps into comedy after leaving university and working as a chef, after which he opted for the stand-up route and lived with Russell Howard, Mark Olver, and John Robins for a year in Bristol.
He got his big break when he won his heat of the BBC New Talent Comedy Search in 2003, with his shows going on to receive glowing reviews.
More Trending
Jon has since toured the UK with his gigs, hosted on both BBC and Absolute Radio, and appeared on countless TV panel shows.
He’s best known for his jokes on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Have I Got News for You, and Would I Lie To You?
Jon has also worked extensively with his wife, Lucy Beaumont, having previously acquired their own show, Meet the Richardsons. They announced their separation in 2024 after nine years of marriage.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Waterloo Road casts iconic comedian for surprising new role
MORE: Everton stunned Liverpool last time but Arne Slot won’t see red again in Merseyside derby
MORE: Three killed after car crashes into bus and sparks huge inferno in west London
