Jon Richardson joins Waterloo Road after apparent April Fools prank
Jon Richardson is joining the cast of the BBC's school drama Waterloo Road, after April Fooling most of the nation's media into believing he was quitting comedy to become a real teacher.
The stand-up will appear alongside fellow comedian Jason Manford in the series, in an as yet undisclosed role, according to BBC News.
It is his first acting job since U&Dave mockumentary series Meet The Richardsons, in which he played a version of himself alongside his then wife Lucy Beaumont, ended last year.
Controversially perhaps, both Richardson and his agents Off The Kerb announced he was switching profession last night, 31st March.
In a rare video posted to Instagram, Richardson, who has taken a break from stand-up following his split from Beaumont, said: "I just thought I'd give you a little update. I don't really 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."
He then displayed a handwritten note, which he said that he wrote when he was 14, stating: 'Although I would love to be a stand-up comedian, I'll probably end up being a teacher.'
And he added, with apparent sincerity, that: "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."
He then explained that he had completed his teacher training and has already landed a job.
Off The Kerb declined BCG's request for comment today.
But the agency posted the following on their website last night: "Off The Kerb would like to express their best wishes and support for Jon Richardson who - after some very careful consideration - has decided to retire from stand-up comedy, and instead pursue a career in teaching. We fully respect and admire this decision, and wish him all the best with his new career."
Despite his new marking commitments, it is believed that Richardson will continue to host his Absolute Radio show on Saturday.
Update: BBC confirms Waterloo Road role
The BBC has confirmed Richardson will play a media studies teacher, but adds: "Viewers will have to wait for the next series of Waterloo Road to find out exactly who Jon will play, and what lies in store for him at the famous school."
Jon Richardson comments: "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."
Executive producer Cameron Roach notes: "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."