Jon Richardson joins the cast of Waterloo Road
He will join the staff room for series 16
He's best known for his comedy and his Saturday morning show on Absolute Radio, but funny man Jon Richardson is now branching out into the world of acting, joining the cast of BBC school drama Waterloo Road.
Despite many thinking it was an April Fool's Day joke, Jon uploaded a video earlier in the day to reveal he's taking a break from stand-up in order to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher, confessing he's taken up a teaching job.
The official Waterloo Road social media accounts then expanded on Jon's post later in the afternoon, sharing a photo of him in a suit and writing: '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'. (sic)
Many of Jon's fellow comedians and fans were quick to comment, with Seann Walsh writing: 'Almost cried that one of my favourite comedians was retiring. An absolute stitch up!' (sic)
Chris Ramsey added: 'You swines… that was brilliantly executed 👏👏👏👏', with Josh Widdicombe adding: 'Comedy’s loss is early evening serial drama’s loss'.
Jon, who has starred on shows such as Meet the Richardsons and 8 out of 10 Cats, will join the cast for series 16, but bosses are so far keeping his character under wraps.
Jon Richardson says of his new role: "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."
Cameron Roach, Founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and Exec Producer for Waterloo Road added: “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.”
Jon will join the likes of Lindsey Coulson (Dame Stella Drake), Jason Merrells (Jack Rimmer), Adam Thomas (Donte Charles), and James Baxter (Joe Casey) in the staff room for series 16.
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It hasn't yet been revealed when the 16th series of Waterloo Road with air, but the last series did set up for former Headteacher Jack Rimmer to return to the education system.
All 15 series of Waterloo Road are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.
Now read:
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