November 27th 2024.
Reverend Richard Coles, known for his role in the popular show I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, has recently captured the hearts of many new fans since joining the ITV reality series. A Church of England priest, he has impressed viewers with his clever tactics to deceive his fellow campmates, his unexpected bond with Maura Higgins, and his willingness to openly discuss his sexuality with GK Barry.
Before his time on I’m A Celebrity, Richard rose to fame in the 80s as part of the synth-pop duo The Communards, alongside Jimmy Somerville. With three top ten hits in the UK, the pair quickly gained recognition. In recent years, Richard has also hosted BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live program and made appearances on shows like QI, Would I Lie to You?, and Have I Got News for You. He even competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, despite admitting to not being the most skilled dancer.
While Richard may not have been a standout on the dance floor, he has certainly made an impact through his honesty and openness about his personal life. He has openly shared about his experience growing up as a gay man and the heartbreaking loss of his husband a few years ago.
Richard first came out to his mother at the age of 16, playing her the song “Glad to Be Gay” by Tom Robinson four times before she asked him directly about his sexuality. In the following years, he faced a mental health crisis and was diagnosed with clinical depression, which led him to attempt to take his own life.
Despite these challenges, Richard found success in his career, including his time with The Communards. On a recent episode of I’m A Celebrity, he was asked by GK if it was difficult being gay and working as a priest. Richard replied that it was not an issue for him, but he has faced criticism from others. He also noted that he was not the first gay member of the clergy, and he has found evidence of homosexuality throughout the history of the church.
Richard’s personal life also included a loving relationship with his husband, David Coles. The couple first met when David, who was then an A&E nurse, sought Richard’s advice about joining the clergy. They later entered into a civil partnership, with David taking on Richard’s surname. While their relationship was initially celibate, Richard later revealed that they were not able to maintain that promise and had to keep their relationship a secret in order for him to keep his job as a vicar.
Tragically, David passed away in 2019 at the age of 42 due to alcoholism. Richard has since shared his struggles and grief in his book The Madness of Grief: A Memoir of Love and Loss. He has also announced his retirement as a parish priest in Finedon and has moved to Sussex, citing his desire to uphold the church’s values of truth, justice, and human dignity.
Despite the difficult times he has faced, Richard has found love once again with actor Richard Cant. The couple met on a dating app and have been together for two years. Richard, who goes by Dickie, has appeared in various TV shows, including Midsomer Murders, Doctor Who, The Bill, and It’s A Sin. The two have even shared their first date at the Royal Horticultural Society.
As Richard continues his journey on I’m A Celebrity, he has opened up to his campmate Maura about his relationship with Dickie, sharing that they have been together for two years and how he didn’t expect to find love again. Richard’s honesty and vulnerability have touched the hearts of viewers, and we can’t wait to see what else he has in store for us on the show.
Tune in to I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! tonight at 9pm on ITV1 to see more of Reverend Richard Coles and his fellow campmates. And if you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, don’t hesitate to reach out to the entertainment team at The Agency. We’d love to hear from you!
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