Who is Richard Coles? I'm A Celebrity star reveals biggest jungle fear
I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! is about to make some changes as two new contestants will be joining the jungle in Thursday's show.
Reverend Richard Coles and Maura Higgins have landed in Australia in preparation for their upcoming performance. They've opened up about their expectations and concerns regarding their experience on the show.
The original campers will have ample opportunity to bond with their new companions by the campfire. As they prepare to make a splash in the jungle, here’s everything you should know about Reverend Richard Coles.
Where is I'm a Celebrity filmed? A look at the jungle transformation.
A complete list of all the winners from I'm A Celebrity up to now.
Celebrities from I'm A Celebrity who exited the ITV program prematurely.
Reverend Richard Coles: Who Is He?
Richard Coles has had a diverse career as a pop musician, a clergyman, and a writer. (PA Images)
Coles rose to prominence as a pop musician in the 1980s, performing saxophone for Bronski Beat. In 1985, he and Jimmy Somerville parted ways with the band to create the Communards, achieving their biggest success with the chart-topping hit "Don't Leave Me This Way" in 1986.
Once his music career concluded, Coles pursued a new path by studying theology and becoming a priest. He served for many years as a vicar but decided to retire in 2022, explaining that it had become challenging to juggle his work in media with his responsibilities in the church.
Recently, Coles has transitioned into a new role as a writer, publishing three mystery novels centered around murder.
Coles has openly shared the pain of losing his partner David to alcoholism in 2019. Currently, he is in a relationship with actor Richard Cant.
Reverend Richard Coles: His I'm A Celebrity Prep
Richard Coles will be a new addition to the campmates in 2024, arriving later than the others. (ITV)
Upon arriving in Australia, Coles shared with reporters that he had been gaining weight in anticipation of a restricted diet while at the training camp.
He shared with MailOnline that he recently went on a cruise where he followed a diet that included "around 5,000 calories a day," yet he anticipated shedding some pounds while participating in the show.
He mentioned the likelihood of making provocative statements: "I've participated in reality shows before, but I've never experienced being under constant observation for four weeks straight. I can see how, over time, it might be simple to lose your composure. However, I assume there are legal teams involved to manage that."
"I believe the best approach to tackling these activities is to fully immerse yourself and aim to get the most fun out of them."
Coles shared with The Sun that he feels especially ready for life in the camp: "I spent two years in a monastery, so I'm familiar with what it’s like to be surrounded by people you didn't pick to be around. This has given me a bit of toughness."
Up until now, GK Barry and Dean McCullough have been fan favorites for bushtucker trials, with audiences tuning in to see their reactions as they bravely tackled various challenges. However, Coles confessed that he might struggle as well, as he isn't particularly good with heights.
In an interview with The Sun, he shared that his greatest fear is heights. He mentioned, "I recently found myself completely paralyzed with fear while on a step ladder. Just the thought of having to walk on a wobbly tightrope or something similar makes me anxious."
"But I’m confident that someone strong will be there with a safety harness to prevent me from tumbling down."
What Other Shows Has Reverend Richard Coles Done?
Reverend Richard Coles at the start of Strictly Come Dancing 2017. (PA Images)
Coles has appeared in the media numerous times as a vicar, but he has also become a sought-after guest for various entertainment programs throughout the years.
In 2017, Coles participated in Strictly Come Dancing and teamed up with Dianne Buswell. Unfortunately, they were the second couple to be eliminated from the competition.
Last year, Coles had a stronger performance in the Celebrity MasterChef kitchen, securing a fifth-place finish. He has also participated in Celebrity Bake Off.
In 2022, Coles produced a documentary for Channel 4 titled Good Grief, in collaboration with Reverend Richard Coles. In this film, he explored different ways to cope with loss, reflecting on his own experiences of grief after the passing of his partner.
