Comedian Jon Richardson is the newest star of BBC One's school drama Waterloo Road and will make his debut later this year.
The Meet the Richardsons and 8 out of 10 Cats favourite had told his social media followers that he was retiring from comedy to pursue a career in teaching.
"However, there was more to the news than Jon first revealed," said the BBC, adding that fans will have to wait until the next series to find out "what lies in store for him at the famous school".
"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," said Richardson.
"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 Waterloo Road co-producers Rope Ladder Fiction and the series' executive producer said: "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 a whole lot of mayhem."
