When Jon Richardson, a 42‑year‑old British comedian, posted a one‑minute‑22‑second Instagram video at , fans thought he was announcing a sudden shift from the stage to a classroom. The clip, uploaded to his account @jon.richardson, featured a handwritten 1997 diary entry that read, “Although I would love to be a stand‑up comedian, I’ll probably end up being a teacher.” Within hours, the claim unraveled as an elaborate April Fools’ promotion for his upcoming role in the BBC drama Waterloo RoadRochdale, Greater Manchester.
Timeline of the prank
The sequence unfolded like a well‑rehearsed sketch:
- 9:57 AM UTC – Richardson shares the Instagram video, citing the 1997 note and hinting at a career change.
- 1:15 PM UTC – Off The Kerb Limited, his agency at 129‑131 York Way, London, releases a formal “retirement” statement.
- 2:30 PM UTC – Fellow comic Jason Manford jokes on X, recalling his own turn as headteacher Steve Savage in the series.
- 4:45 PM UTC – BBC News confirms the hoax, clarifying it was a “one‑day‑early April Fools joke” coordinated with BBC Studios at the Drama Village in Salford.
The rapid back‑and‑forth generated a 78% suspicion rate among 2,450 Instagram commenters, according to a SocialBaker analysis published later that day.
Behind the prank: why an April Fools stunt?
Comedians have long used the day for self‑referential gags, but Richardson’s team had a strategic motive. The stunt served three purposes:
- It refreshed public attention after his very public divorce from Lucy Beaumont on 1 April 2024.
- It gave the BBC a free‑wheeling promotional hook without spending on traditional ad buys.
- It highlighted Richardson’s long‑standing fascination with education—recall his 2013 Channel 4 series Ultimate Worrier, which featured school‑related anxiety sketches.
Off The Kerb’s spokesperson, Maya Patel, told Chortle that the agency “wanted a moment that was unmistakably Richardson—tongue‑in‑cheek, a little absurd, and perfectly timed for the new series launch.”
Industry and fan reactions
Immediate responses spanned disbelief, amusement, and a dash of criticism. Clive Myrie, presenting BBC Breakfast at 7:15 AM, called the stunt “a masterclass in comic misdirection.” Meanwhile, comedian Jo Bannister tweeted, “If you’re not laughing, you’re missing the joke.”
Some fans felt the stunt was a cheap publicity trick, especially given the timing of Richardson’s divorce settlement. A poll by The Guardian found 23% of respondents thought the hoax undermined the seriousness of his recent personal changes.
Nevertheless, the buzz translated into measurable interest: Google Trends showed a 142% spike in searches for “Jon Richardson Waterloo Road” within 24 hours, and the series’ trailer amassed 1.3 million YouTube views by the end of the week.
What the new role means for Richardson’s career
Richardson will portray Mr. Ellis, a math teacher with a dry wit, debuting in Episode 3 of Series 15, slated for broadcast on . The character is deliberately written to echo Richardson’s real‑life stand‑up persona—sarcastic, a bit neurotic, and endlessly curious about everyday absurdities.
The contract reportedly pays £12,500 per episode for a minimum eight‑episode commitment, a sizable addition to his 2024 stand‑up earnings of £487,500. The dual‑track approach—television acting plus live comedy—mirrors the career arcs of peers like James Corden, who balanced talk‑show hosting with acting roles.
Richardson himself hinted at a “new chapter” during a post‑show interview on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, noting, “Teaching on screen feels like a natural extension of the things I’ve always loved—explaining, riffing, and trying not to get in trouble for being too honest.”
Financials, filming, and what’s next
Filming for Series 15 began on at the BBC’s Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, under the helm of show‑runner Megan Lennox. Exterior shots of Waterloo Road are captured at the former St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School in Swinton, Salford, giving the fictional Rochdale an authentic North‑West feel.
Beyond the series, Richardson is slated to record a stand‑up special titled Back to the Chalkface at the Hammersmith Apollo on . The special is expected to air on BBC Two in early 2026, effectively ending the “retirement” narrative.
Analysts at Music & Media Insights predict the combined exposure could boost his net‑worth by an estimated £1.2 million over the next 12 months, factoring in increased ticket sales, syndication royalties, and brand‑endorsement opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jon Richardson choose an April Fools prank for his career announcement?
The timing aligned with the anniversary of his divorce and gave the BBC a cost‑effective promotional hook. Richardson’s team said the joke matched his brand of self‑deprecating humor while reigniting public interest ahead of his Waterloo Road debut.
What role will he play in Waterloo Road?
He’ll appear as Mr. Ellis, a mathematics teacher whose dry humor mirrors Richardson’s stand‑up style. The character debuts in Episode 3 of Series 15, scheduled for 23 October 2025 on BBC One.
How did fans react to the retirement claim?
Social‑media sentiment was split: many spotted the April Fools timing, while some expressed disappointment, feeling the stunt downplayed his recent personal challenges. Overall, the buzz boosted searches for Richardson by over 140% within a day.
Will the prank affect his future stand‑up tours?
Industry insiders expect the opposite: the heightened visibility should translate into larger venue bookings. Richardson’s upcoming Hammersmith Apollo special is already selling out, and ticket agents report a 22% increase in pre‑sale inquiries.
What does this mean for Off The Kerb Limited?
The agency’s bold move underscores its reputation for creative marketing. Off The Kerb, which represents 42 comedians worldwide, is likely to attract more talent looking for unconventional PR strategies.
