STAND DOWN
Huge comedian reveals he’s quit comedy to pursue dream job as a teacher after marriage split – but fans aren’t convinced
Watch Jon's shock statement in the video
JON Richardson has announced he is giving up comedy - to become a teacher - but fans are convinced it's an April Fool's prank.
The comedian, who split from his wife Lucy Beaumont last year, has said he will not be returning to stand-up after taking a break.
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In a video shared on social media, Jon 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.
"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."
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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."
Jon has said he has carried out his teacher training and has already landed a job within the profession.
He added: "That's all from me for now. I'll keep you posted."
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The news has come as a huge surprise to fans - abut many have questioned whether it is an April Fool's joke.
Writing online following Jon's update, one said: "This can’t be true! It’s April fools tomorrow so I am guessing you’re having us on…
Moment Lucy Beaumount joked about divorce from Jon Richardson a year before couple revealed split
"But if there is any part of it that’s true, I’m heading back to school just so you can be my teacher."
Jon's pal, fellow comedian Josh Widdicombe, meanwhile quipped: "Comedy's loss is teaching's loss."
Jon briefly worked as a chef after leaving school before launching a career in comedy.
He went on to win his heat of the New Talent Comedy Search in 2003 and he reached the semi-finals of the Laughing Horse New Act of the Year competition in 2004.
Jon's big break came on the radio before he appeared on Never Mind The Buzzcocks in 2009.
He has since enjoyed a hugely successful TV and stand-up career, appearing on shows including 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Celebrity Gogglebox and his own series, The Jon Richardson Show.
Jon and his and then-wife Lucy also starred in their own mockumentary called Meet The Richardsons, which aired on Dave.
Last year, the couple stunned fans by announcing their separation after nine years of marriage.
A statement shared by PA news agency said: "After 9 years of marriage, we would like to announce that we have separated. 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.
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"We will be making no further comment."
Funnyman Jon and Lucy started dating in 2013 after they met each other through friend Roisin Conaty.
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