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.

4

4

4

Speaking to 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."

Read more on Russell Howard

over and out

Comedian Russell Howard QUITS television after 19 years despite hit shows

SIBLING LOVE

Russell Howard has a famous sister who starred in a hit BBC comedy

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."

Most read in News TV

SAD LOSS

Hollyoaks star Paul Danan was due in court the day before his tragic death aged 46

CAN'T STAND THE HEAT

Bake Off star facing legal action after they failed to show for work

THE ONLY WAY IS SIS

Towie legends to reunite for new series ahead of show's 15th birthday

SISTER'S PAIN

Linda Nolan's heartbroken sister reveals star's cause of death was NOT cancer

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.

4