Ok, here's how I'm A Celeb's Reverend Richard Coles actually went from pop star to priest
Reverend Richard Coles has been a bit of a surprise favorite on this year’s I’m A Celeb, especially because it's intriguing to see how someone who was a major pop star in the 80s transitioned into a role as a priest. What stands out about Reverend Richard Coles is his ability to embrace his faith as a gay priest, allowing him to practice without bias. He discusses his beliefs in a way that isn’t pushy or dogmatic. His contemporary take on religion, combined with his LGBTQ identity, has helped him form a strong friendship with GK Barry, who never imagined she would become close with a vicar. So, how did Reverend Richard Coles make the leap from 80s pop icon to priest before joining I’m A Celeb? Let’s take a look at his remarkable career journey.
Reverend Richard Coles is widely recognized for his contributions to the Communards, but prior to that, he was part of another hugely popular synth-pop group: Bronski Beat. He played the clarinet and saxophone for the band during its formative years from 1983 to 1985, until he and Jimmy Somerville decided to leave and create the Communards. Bronski Beat is famous for their iconic LGBTQ anthem "Smalltown Boy," and during that time, Reverend Richard Coles was close friends with Jimmy Somerville, who brought him along on tour as the saxophonist.
The two of them decided to part ways and launch their own project.
Uh, the atmosphere!? Courtesy of Shutterstock
Rev Richard achieved three hits in the top 10 with the Communards, especially with their standout track "Don’t Leave Me This Way," which is their most popular and energetic song. While it’s a cover, the upbeat 80s synth and disco vibe revitalized it similar to how the Pet Shop Boys did with "Always on My Mind." This is music created by queer artists that continues to bring joy and excitement to dance floors even now.
Reverend Richard Coles transitioned from being a pop star to a priest in the late 1980s for a variety of reasons, which he describes as a period of both great joy and deep sorrow. While he enjoyed significant success in the music industry, he also faced the tragic loss of friends due to the HIV epidemic. After the Communards broke up and Jimmy Somerville launched his solo career, Richard turned to religion in his late twenties. In the early 1990s, he began pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in theology at King’s College London. During this time, he converted to Roman Catholicism, a faith he practiced for several years before switching back to Anglicanism in 2001.
Richard was chosen to undergo training for the priesthood in the Church of England, starting his journey in 2003 and becoming fully ordained in 2005.
He retired from his position as a vicar in 2022. Reflecting on his experience as what he called a “part-time vicar,” Reverend Richard Coles mentioned that he’s often asked, “How do you manage to juggle everything?” The truth, he explained, is that it involves overlooking significant responsibilities and letting people down. For instance, there was a time when a parishioner was on their deathbed and I was called in the middle of the night to be there, but I wasn’t able to because I was in Glasgow filming Celebrity Antiques Road Trip. I did manage to find someone to take my place, but ultimately, it should have been me there.
"I will continue to be a priest; it's a part of who I am, and I will serve in any way I can. Next month, I'm attending my first conference for prison chaplains, and I hope to contribute as a volunteer with those in the criminal justice system."
He began distancing himself from the Church of England due to a significant rise in negative attitudes toward gay couples. He expressed his disagreement with what he described as a "conservative, aggressive, and fundamentalist" shift within the church.
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