Who was Rev Richard Coles husband David and how did he die?

REVEREND Richard Coles has become a household name thanks to his TV career and life as a popstar.

But in 2019, the star's partner Rev David Coles sadly passed away.

Rev David Coles was the partner of celebrity vicar Richard Coles, and like him, was a Church of England vicar.

Unlike his famous partner, he kept himself out of the spotlight, and little was known about him.

In his Twitter bio, he described himself as a "carer to FIVE delinquent yet delightful dachshunds, a dilettante potter, designer, gardener and narrow boat enthusiast".

David also used to post pictures of his baking, and was a big fan of TV cook Mary Berry.

The late reverend's partner, Rev Richard Coles, is a vicar and a former pop star. 

He was most famous for being part of The Communards alongside Jimmy Somerville, who had been pals before joining the band.

They formed the band in 1984 after Jimmy left Bronski Beat and the pair played together for three years.

Notable hits were Don't Leave Me This Way and Never Can Say Goodbye.

Sad death

The exact date of David’s death is unknown but his passing was announced by Richard on Twitter on December 17, 2019. 

He  thanked the "brilliant team" at Kettering General hospital for looking after David in his final days.

The vicar tweeted: "I’m very sorry to say that @RevDavidColes has died. He had been ill for a while. 

"Thanks to the brilliant teams who looked after him at @KettGeneral. Funeral details to follow.

“The Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended."

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."

Civil partnership

Richard and David had been together for 12 years and were in a a civil partnership.

The couple also lived in a celibate relationship.

Richard often spoke with love for him and their life together, particularly on his Radio 4 show: Saturday Live.