If you’re unfamiliar with Reverend Richard Coles, you may be wondering why a priest has headed Down Under to compete on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here. However, fans will know that he’s so much more than a former vicar. He is perhaps best known for co-hosting BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live programme from March 2011 until March 2023— later admitting that he ‘felt rather hurtled towards the exit’— alongside Nikki Bedi, or his TV appearances on Strictly, Celebrity Masterchef, and now I’m a Celeb. However, music fans may know him as one half of The Communards.
Here's everything else you need to know about Reverend Richard Coles.
Who is Reverend Richard Coles?
Richard Coles is a writer, presenter, multi-instrumentalist and former Church of England priest.
How old is Reverend Richard Coles?
The vicar was born March 26, 1962, making him 62 years old.
Where is Reverend Richard Coles from?
Richard Coles is from Northampton.
Was Reverend Richard Coles in a band?
Yes, he and his musical partner Jimmy Somerville rose to fame in the 1980’s synth-pop duo The Communards. Jimmy was previously a member of Bronski Beat, but formed The Communards with Coles in 1985. Together, they released three UK top ten hits, including the No. 1 record and best-selling single of 1986, a dance version of ‘Don't Leave Me This Way.’
Coles, although he mainly played piano, played many instruments in The Communards. The pair were also sometimes joined by Sarah Jane Morris who provided backing vocals and was a sort of unofficial third member of the band. The Communards split in 1988 after three years of making music together, with Somerville going on to pursue a solo career. On the split, Richard said, 'I don't think we understood each other. Our lives were so different, we didn't really have the tools for finding our way through disagreements.'
Who is Reverend Richard Coles’s husband?
Richard was in a civil partnership with Reverend David Coles for many years until David’s death in 2019 to alcoholism. Although at the time they said it was a celibate relationship, he later admitted that this was a lie they told in order to keep their jobs as vicars. Richard later said, 'I felt sometimes like I was in the resistance and they were the Gestapo. I mean, I’m overstating it, but what I did feel is that they had no moral cause, so I didn’t feel that I had a moral obligation at all.'
He added, 'And I’m not the first person to find themselves obliged to lie for institutional reasons in the Church of England.'
In Richard’s book The Madness Of Grief: A Memoir Of Love And Loss, Richard, said: ‘It was really, really tough to see somebody you love destroy himself.
‘It is like someone is drowning and you throw them a lifebelt but they are just not taking the lifebelt. And I did try everything I could think of to help him stop drinking, and in fairness to him he did try too, but it was too much for him.’
Who is Reverend Coles dating now?
In June 2023, Richard revealed that he has found love again after David Coles’s tragic passing four years prior. His new partner is actor Richard Cant, son of the late actor and children’s TV presenter Brian Cant.
What religion is Reverend Richard Coles?
Richard Coles was a dedicated Roman Catholic for a decade before converting to Anglicanism in 2001. Four years later he was ordained into the Anglican priesthood.
When did Reverend Richard Coles become a priest?
After attending a mass at St Albans church in London in 1990, Richard Coles said he was ‘suddenly inspired with a new found faith.’ He had already left the music scene behind, but after this inspiration he began writing for the Times Literary Supplement and Catholic Herald.
Why did Reverend Richard Coles leave BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live?
When the decision was made to move the recording of BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live from London to Cardiff, Richard, who had co-hosted the show for twelve years, was quickly informed that his residency would be wrapping up. The BBC made a statement only five days before Richard’s final show informing him of the change.
He later said, ‘I felt rather hurtled towards the exit. Working for an organisation like the BBC, you devote your energies to it and yet they perhaps don’t always respond with similar devotion.
‘It’s a great national institution, and more power to its elbow. It would just be nice if it could distinguish that elbow from its arse sometimes.’
When was Reverend Richard Coles on Strictly Come Dancing?
Richard took part in Strictly back in 2017. He was partnered with professional dancer Diane Buswell, but the pair only made it to week three before being voted off.
Did Richard Coles have a drug problem?
During his music days in the Communists, Richard admitted that he struggled, saying ‘How much have I spent on drugs in my life? Well, more than a clergyman should.’ He also confessed to lying about having HIV for years to get 'sympathy' during the height of the AIDS crisis, admitting, 'I went a bit bananas.' He said, 'Pretending I had HIV was the worst thing I’ve ever done.... I did correct the record as soon as I could, and sought the forgiveness of the people I had said that to,' however he admitted that he still looks back on his actions 'with shame.'
What is Reverend Richard Coles’s podcast?
Richard Coles presents a podcast called The Rabbit Hole Detectives with archaeologist Dr Cat Jarman and historian Charles Spencer.
Was Reverend Richard Coles on The Great British Bake-Off?
The Reverend Richard Coles appeared in episode 5 of series 7 of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up 2 Cancer in April 2024.
Was Reverend Richard Coles on Celebrity Masterchef?
Richard appeared on Celebrity MasterChef not once, but twice. His first stint in 2016 saw him finishing in fifth place, while he returned in 2021 and won the competition, beating out Gemma Collins, Joe Swash, Les Dennis and Mica Paris.
Is Reverend Richard Coles retired?
Yes, he retired in April 2022.
Does Reverend Richard Coles have Instagram?
He does, and you can follow him at @revrichardcoles.