REV Richard Coles found love again after heartbreaking death of his husband David.
Here is all you need to know about the man of god, who quit his music career.
Who is Rev Richard Coles?
Born in Northamptonshire on March 26, 1962, Rev Richard Coles is a Church of England priest, musician, writer and radio and TV presenter.
Richard, who is gay, knew about his sexuality as a public school choirboy — but didn't come out until his late teens.
He said: “Growing up realising you were gay in 1970s Britain was like being a paedophile now — it was a life that seemed to offer only disgrace.”
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Coles studied theology at Kings College London and went on to gain an MA from the University of Leeds.
In his biography on his website, it is revealed that he "began to seriously consider taking holy orders".
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.
Why is Reverend Richard Coles famous?
He 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.”
Thankfully he swapped one habit for another after attending a mass at St Albans church in central London in 1990, when he was "suddenly inspired with a new found faith".
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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.
Is Rev Richard Coles married?
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."
Is Rev Richard Coles in a relationship?
In June 2023 Rev Richard Coles revealed on ITV's show Lorraine that he has found love again, after the heartbreak of his husband passing in 2019.
His new partner is actor Richard Cant, son of the late actor and children’s TV presenter Brian Cant.
Cant appeared in shows such as Mary Queen of Scots, Stan & Ollie and Doctor Who.
He told The Argus on his new relationship:“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.”
When was Rev Richard Coles on Strictly Come Dancing?
Richard famously took to the dance floor on Strictly in 2017 and was partnered with Dianne Buswell.
Richard left during Movie Week and was the second celebrity to be voted off that year.
He was on the show alongside the likes of Mollie King, Ruth Langsford and Brian Conley.
The season was won by Joe McFadden and Katya Jones.
What TV shows has Rev Richard Coles been on?
In 2016, Richard appeared on Celebrity MasterChef and finished in fifth place.
In early 2017, the telly host fronted The Big Painting Challenge on BBC One with Mariella Frostrup.
Since 2011 he has been the presenter of Radio 4's Saturday Live.
Richard also appeared on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, along with Joe McFadden.
Richard has appeared on many shows including QI, Would I Lie To You?, Have I Got News For You, Countdown, and The Wheel.
In 2022 he fronted Channel 4's Good Grief, opening up about bereavement.
Is Richard Coles on The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2024?
Yes, Richard is competing in the The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2024.
The other contestants are Adam Hills, Danny Dyer, David O'Doherty, Dermot O'Leary, Fern Brady, Gabby Logan, Greg James, Jodie Whittaker, Joe Locke, Leigh Francis, Mel B, Munya Chawawa, Oti Mabuse, Paloma Faith, Rhod Gilbert, Sarah Cox, Spencer Mathews, Suzi Ruffell and Yinka Bokinni.
Baking hunk Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will be back to judge their efforts and pick the overall winner, with Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding also returning.
How to watch Rev Richard Coles on The Great Celebrity Bake Off
The Great Celebrity Bake Off is being shown on Channel 4 on Sundays at 7.40 pm or online on their website.
