Jon Richardson: Divorce, New Show & Career Updates

When a couple stars in a sitcom about their own marriage, it can be hard to tell where the script ends and real life begins. For Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont, the curtain fell in April 2024 when they announced their divorce, just as the fifth series of Meet The Richardsons was airing. Here’s what we know about the split, how both have moved forward, and what’s next for the comedian.

Birthdate: 26 September 1982 ·
Birthplace: Lancaster, Lancashire, England ·
Occupation: Comedian, actor, radio presenter ·
Years active: 2002–present ·
Spouse: Lucy Beaumont (2013–2024, divorced)

Seven key biographical facts, one pattern: Jon Richardson’s public profile remains anchored in his comedy career, with personal details closely guarded since the split.

Have Jon and Lucy split up?

Yes. On 12 April 2024, BBC News (tier-1 news outlet) reported that Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont announced their divorce in a joint statement. The couple said they had “jointly and amicably” made the difficult decision to go their separate ways after nine years of marriage. The statement came while the fifth series of Meet The Richardsons — the sitcom in which they played exaggerated versions of themselves — was still airing.

Lucy Beaumont was in the middle of a nationwide stand-up tour, The Trouble and Strife, when the news broke, according to Mirror (UK tabloid). Richardson and Beaumont have one child together, a daughter named Elsie, born around 2017. No further details about custody or financial arrangements have been made public.

The implication: The split was clearly planned to minimise disruption: it was announced mid-tour for Beaumont and mid-series for the duo’s show, suggesting a coordinated, amicable separation.

What has happened to Jon Richardson?

Jon Richardson signs up for new show after comedy break

In April 2025, Jon Richardson posted on social media that he was “quitting comedy” to become a teacher. LADbible (entertainment news site) reported that he said he had already completed training and taken a teaching position. But that turned out to be a misdirection: later reports revealed Richardson had actually joined the cast of the BBC school drama Waterloo Road, debuting in September 2025.

Liverpool Echo (regional news outlet) confirmed that Richardson plays media studies teacher Darius Donovan. Yahoo News UK reported that the role helped Richardson cope with the divorce, giving him a steady routine and a new creative outlet.

What is Jon Richardson doing now?

As of early 2026, Richardson is still active on social media — his official website lists no current tour dates but he is an ambassador for Haven House Children’s Hospice. He also appeared on ITV’s revived Bullseye in 2024/2025. His professional life appears to be a mix of acting, charity work, and occasional TV appearances.

The pattern: Richardson has consciously pivoted away from the “married man” persona that defined Meet The Richardsons, using a playful April Fools’ joke about teaching to mask a serious career reinvention.

Who is Jon Richardson’s new partner?

Does Jon Richardson have a new girlfriend?

Despite frequent search queries, there is no confirmed public information about Jon Richardson dating anyone new. His divorce announcement did not mention any third party, and credible sources — including BBC News and Mirror — have not reported any new relationship. Online gossip exists, but without a named source it remains speculation.

Why this matters: For readers searching this term, the honest answer is “no one knows.” Any claim to the contrary would be rumour, not fact. The silence is consistent with Richardson’s post-divorce policy of keeping his private life off the record.

Who is Lucy Beaumont with now?

What is Lucy Beaumont’s relationship status?

Lucy Beaumont has not publicly announced a new partner. Her Wikipedia page and recent interviews focus on her comedy career. In a 2024 interview, she described having a “weird agreement” with Jon Richardson post-divorce, though she did not elaborate on the terms, as reported by Mirror.

Why did Lucy Beaumont divorce Jon Richardson?

The reasons for the divorce remain private. The joint statement simply said the couple had “jointly and amicably” decided to separate. Neither party has given a detailed explanation, and no reports cite a specific cause such as infidelity or irreconcilable differences.

The trade-off: By keeping the reason private, both have avoided a media circus — but it has also fuelled speculation and unanswered questions for fans.

What disability does Lucy Beaumont have?

Lucy Beaumont has spoken openly about having ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). In interviews, she has said she relates to Prue Leith’s experiences with the condition. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects focus, impulse control, and organisation. Beaumont has described it as something she manages with lifestyle adjustments and medication.

Note: ADHD is not typically classified as a “disability” in legal terms, but it is recognised as a condition that can qualify for reasonable adjustments under UK equality law. Beaumont has not framed it as a disability herself.

The implication: Beaumont’s openness about ADHD makes her a relatable figure for many fans who share the condition, and it has become part of her public identity alongside her comedy.

Timeline of key events

• 26 September 1982: Jon Richardson born in Lancaster, England (Wikipedia).
• 2002: Started stand-up comedy career.
• 2013: Married Lucy Beaumont (later reports specify April 2015 as wedding date, per Yahoo News UK).
• 2015–present: Appears on 8 Out of 10 Cats and other panel shows.
• 12 April 2024: Divorce announced (BBC News).
• April 2025: Richardson posts about “quitting comedy” (LADbible).
• September 2025: Richardson debuts on Waterloo Road as Darius Donovan (Liverpool Echo).

The timeline underscores the rapid shift in Richardson’s public and professional life post-divorce.

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

The confirmed facts are well-documented, while the unknowns fuel continued public curiosity.

Quotes from key figures

“We have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go our separate ways.”

— Joint statement from Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont, 12 April 2024, via BBC News

“I’m quitting comedy to become a teacher.”

— Jon Richardson, Instagram post, April 2025, reported by LADbible

“He plays media studies teacher Darius Donovan.”

— Liverpool Echo, confirming Richardson’s actual role

Together, these quotes capture the public narrative of the separation and Richardson’s subsequent career move.

The divorce has reset both comedians’ public stories. For Jon Richardson, the move from family-centric panel shows to a scripted drama role marks a deliberate shift away from the persona that made him famous. For fans following his career, the choice to join Waterloo Road — a show with a broad audience — suggests he’s betting on long-term acting over the churn of panel-show appearances. His daughter and private life remain off-limits, and that boundary looks set to stay.

Fans can find the most recent details on his divorce and new show in a comprehensive look at Jon Richardsons career updates.

Frequently asked questions

These answers cover the most common queries about Richardson’s current status.