Russell Howard reveals what would make him return to TV after shocking fans by ‘quitting’ after 19 years
RUSSELL Howard has revealed what would make him return to TV – following his decision to ‘quit’ the medium after 19 years.
The comedian, 44, recently announced he is “quitting” TV – instead sticking to his roots with live stand-up and turning his attention to podcasting.
Speaking to Metro, Russell shared how he could be tempted back to television- but on one condition.
Initially, the star outlined how he doesn’t “want to be on TV for TV’s sake”.
He added: “I couldn’t be a straight TV presenter. I’m not interested in reading other people’s words and having my clothes picked for me.
“But if it was a comedy show that I was interested in, then yeah, I would love to do it.”
Discussing the freedom of stand-up comedy, Russell described the experience as a “beautiful, collaborative way of figuring out whether you’re mental”.
Previously addressing walking away from TV, he said: “I don’t do TV anymore, I just do stand-up and my podcast.”
The funnyman continued to tell the Have A Word podcast: “I had a pretty good run, I just prefer doing stand-up.
“I was all over the world and it was just fun.”
Russell said “there’s nothing else I’d rather do” than putting together an entire set and touring.
He added: “TV is fun but it’s not as fun. Writing a book I couldn’t do because I don’t want to sit and entertain myself but doing stand-up is what I love doing.
“It’s not entertainment for committee, it’s your dictatorship…
“The audience are like this brilliant jury that let you know through laughter whether it works or not.”
Russell’s comedy and topical Good News series for the BBC aired from 2009 to 2015.
He was a series regular on Mock the Week, alongside Dara O Briain and Hugh Dennis, from series four to nine.
Meanwhile, the comedian hosts two podcasts – Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things, and soccer-themed GoalLess.