Jon Richardson outlined his plans to become a teacher, but soon revealed he was only going to be acting the part in Waterloo Road – and some of his friends and fans feel misled
Comedian Jon Richardson took fans on a wild ride when he announced that he was undertaking a major career change last night. He soon revealed that his words weren’t to be taken at face value – but it seems he didn’t even tell the truth to his closest friends.
On March 31, Jon, 42, shared that he was going to quit stand-up comedy and instead follow his childhood aspirations of becoming a teacher. In an update hours later, he shocked fans once more when he explained that he’d only be acting as a teacher – and instead of entering a real classroom would be taking on a role as a member of staff in Waterloo Road.
The BBC confirmed the news with a first-look photo of Jon suited up for the role, and wrote on Instagram: “Dear parents/guardians, You may have heard Jon Richardson is going through a huge career change…We’re pleased to share with you the newest addition to the #WaterlooRoad teaching staff. He’ll be joining us next term.”
In the comment section, not everyone was happy that Celebrity Gogglebox star Jon had tricked them into thinking he was moving into a life away from showbiz.
His comedian pal Seann Walsh wrote: “Almost cried that one of my favourite comedians was retiring. An absolute stitch up!” One particularly angry fan raged: “I thought he was actually doing something good for society aka becoming an actual teacher… How disappointing.”
A real-life teacher added: “You k**b. Had me telling all my colleagues at school. Had me believing teachers could finally be cool. Nope, we’re still losers.”
When Jon initially revealed that he was going into ‘teaching’, he explained that he was inspired by a diary entry from when he was 14, and decided to pursue the career his teen self was interested in.
At the end of the clip, he seemed set to lead the next generation as he announced: “I’ve been doing some training, 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.”
He was similarly jokey when he admitted his ruse, writing in a statement: “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.
Jon then explained his prior misleading announcement, as he shared: “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.”
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