Comedian Lucy Beaumont had her fans laughing with a sly joke about ditching Jon Richardson long before news of their separation made headlines.

The 40-year-old comic, who married fellow comedian Jon, 41, in 2015 and shares daughter Elsie Louise with him, recently surprised fans by announcing their split after almost a decade together. However, keen-eyed viewers may remember Lucy’s witty remark about divorce during an episode of Channel 4’s Eight Out Of Ten Cats Does Countdown last year, suggesting there might have been hints of trouble in paradise.

During her appearance on the show in July 2022, Lucy responded with a quick-witted quip when host Jimmy Carr, 51, playfully teased her about her marriage. As Jimmy introduced Lucy to the audience, he jokingly prodded: “Lucy and Jon are married. So I know Lucy, everyone watching at home is dying to know… What made you decide to settle?”

Without missing a beat, Lucy fired back: “I don’t see this for life.” She continued, remarking: “Isn’t it a song – just passing through? Is it? … You meet in your life old souls, new souls… A***holes,” as reported by the Mirror.

Lucy then delivered a biting comment hinting at the uncertainty of their marriage’s future: “Who knows what will happen in the future.” Jon responded with a playful jest: “Are you breaking up now?”

On Friday, April 12, the couple officially announced their separation in a joint statement: “After 9 years of marriage, we would like to announce that we have separated. We have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go our separate ways.” They emphasised their priority of managing the transition for their daughter and requested privacy during this sensitive time.

The pair began dating in 2013 after being introduced by Roisin Conaty and tied the knot two years later. Jon had previously expressed his surprise at the quick progression of their relationship, admitting, “Fundamentally I’ve come back feeling that me and Lucy will probably get married.”