Who is Rev Richard Coles and is he married?

REV Richard Coles is swapping the pulpit for the jungle.

It's been revealed how the star vicar has signed up to I'm A Celebrity. Here we take a look at his incredible life in the spotlight.

Who is Rev Richard Coles?

Born in Northamptonshire on March 26, 1962, Rev Richard Coles is a Church of England vicar, musician, writer and radio and TV presenter.

He studied theology at Kings College London and went on to gain an MA from the University of Leeds.

After a 10-year period as a Roman Catholic, Richard returned to Anglicanism in 2001 and then in 2005 was ordained into the Anglican priesthood.

He was appointed vicar at St Mary the Virgin in Finedon, Northamptonshire in 2011 — retiring just after Easter 2022.

Richard now resides in Friston, East Sussex.

Life as a popstar

The star first found fame as part of The Communards alongside Jimmy Somerville, with the two having been friends before joining the band.

They formed the band in 1984 after Jimmy left Bronski Beat, and were known for hits including Don't Leave Me This Way and Never Can Say Goodbye.

And he lived quite the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, having once admitted to keeping a separate bank account purely to pay his drug dealer: “How much have I spent on drugs in my life? Well, more than a clergyman should.”

However, after attending a mass at St Albans church in central London in 1990, he said he was "suddenly inspired with a new found faith".

After leaving his music behind at the end of the 80s, he began writing for the Times Literary Supplement and Catholic Herald.

He is often described as Britain's most famous vicar.

Heading to the jungle

The Sun exclusively revealed how Richard has signed up to take part in I'm A Celebrity 2024.

An insider told us: “As always, the jungle bosses have cleverly put together a sensational line-up guaranteed to make for compulsive viewing.

“Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."

Strictly Fame

Richard famously took to the dance floor on Strictly in 2017 and was partnered with Dianne Buswell.

He left during Movie Week and was the second celebrity to be voted off that year.

The season was won by Joe McFadden and Katya Jones.

TV career

Away from the pulpit, Richard has appeared on a number of top TV shows including Celebrity MasterChef and The Big Painting Challenge.

He also appeared on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, along with Joe McFadden.

Richard's other shows include QI, Would I Lie To You?, Have I Got News For You, Countdown, and The Wheel.

He also fronted Channel 4's Good Grief, where he opened up about bereavement.

In 2024, he took part in The Great Celebrity Bake Off.

Sad loss

In December 2019, Richard was left heartbroken after his partner Rev David Coles died aged 42.

He announced the tragic news on Twitter, thanking hospital staff for caring for his long-term partner.

In his Twitter bio, David described himself as a "carer to FIVE delinquent yet delightful dachshunds.

“A dilettante potter, designer, gardener and narrow boat enthusiast."

The couple didn't have any children, and were in a celibate, civil partnership.

In 2021, Richard revealed David had died from alcoholism.

In an extract from his 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."

New love

In June 2023, Richard revealed on ITV's Lorraine that he has found love again, after the heartbreak of his husband passing away.

His new partner is actor Richard Cant, son of the late actor and children’s TV presenter Brian Cant.

Speaking about his new relationship, Richard told The Argus:“The big personal news is that I’ve met someone and am now in a relationship, which is lovely.

"We met just before Christmas – it was my first go on a dating app and it’s worked very well.

“He’s lovely, he’s kind, funny, thoughtful, interesting – and he likes me.

“If you’re dating in your golden years, you don’t exactly cut to the chase.

"You’re not looking for a roller-coaster – you tend to be looking for a smooth limousine so things are sort of steady and nice, which I like.

“We walk and we talk, we sing songs around the piano and I help him learn his lines, which I really enjoy – although at times he gets me to stop because I’m enjoying it a little too much.”