Jon Richardson has shocked fans after he announced that he's quitting comedy as he reveals his exciting new career U-turn away from the small screen. The TV star has been a mainstay on the airwaves and TV circuits for years, but is now opting to return to normal life.

On Monday (March 31), the 42-year-old shared an update on Instagram where he filmed himself wrapped up warm as he took a walk while he shared his news online. Jon revealed: "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 its really made me... want to carry on taking a break from stand-up."

He added: "I've been thinking a lot about a diary entry that I found from 1997." An excerpt of his old diary then popped on screen, as the BBC Radio presenter explained: "It's this one. I was 14 years old, it says, 'Although I would love to be a stand-up comedian, I'll probably end up being a teacher'. And I've been thinking a lot about that."

In a bombshell statement, he went on: "I've loved being a comedian, it was absolutely the right choice. But I've decided it would've been nice to try the other option, so that's exactly what I'm gonna do."

The dad-of-one then revealed not only had he completed his teacher training, but he has already accepted a teaching job. The broadcaster went on: "I've taken a teaching position. I will update you as and when I can, but that's all from me for now, just to let you know where I've been. I'll keep you posted."

It comes after the former comic announced his divorce from wife Lucy Beaumont last April after nine years together. The couple tied the knot in April 2014 and share eight-year-old daughter Elsie together.

The news came as a shock to fans, as the duo had quickly become a huge power couple in the comedy world following the launch of their sketch show, Meet The Richardsons, which debuted in 2020. At the time of their split, they announced a joint statement which read: "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 taht oir privacy is respected at this sensitive time to protect her well-being. We will be making no further comment."

The pair appear to have settled their divorce after Jon gave Lucy a £1.625million payout for her shares in a company in which they were both listed as directors. The couple had built a fortune of £6million together before their romantic and business partnership came to an end.