Who Is Richard Coles? A Brief Biography
Richard Coles is an English broadcaster, writer, former pop musician, and former priest. Born on 26 March 1962 in Northampton, England, he first rose to prominence as a multi-instrumentalist in The Communards. Later, he studied theology, was ordained in the Church of England, and became a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4. Today, he is active as a best-selling author and media personality.
Key Insights
- Richard Coles is a multi-hyphenate public figure with a career spanning pop, clergy, and broadcasting.
- His transition from pop star to priest is one of the most unusual in modern British public life.
- He remains best known for the 1986 UK number one “Don’t Leave Me This Way” with The Communards.
- His “Canon Clement Mysteries” series has made him a best-selling crime author.
- He is a regular presenter on BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live.
- He no longer serves as a parish vicar but remains a priest.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Keith Robert Coles |
| Age | 61 years old (as of 2024) |
| Famous Hit | “Don’t Leave Me This Way” (1986) |
| BBC Show | Saturday Live |
| Ordination | Ordained as a priest in 2005 |
What Is Richard Coles’ Musical Career and Time with The Communards?
Coles began his music career in the 1980s, first with Bronski Beat and then as a co-founder of The Communards with Jimmy Somerville. He played multi-instrumentalist and contributed to the synth-pop sound that defined the era. The Communards achieved three UK top-10 hits, including the chart-topping cover of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” – the best-selling single of 1986.
Despite his later religious calling, Coles has never entirely left music behind. He often references his pop past in interviews, and the success of The Communards remains a cornerstone of his public identity. Sources note that his music career is still a major part of how audiences remember him.
“Don’t Leave Me This Way” reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1986 and was the year’s best-selling single. It remains The Communards’ most enduring hit.
Is Richard Coles Still a Vicar? His Current Roles
The question of whether Richard Coles is still a vicar is a common search query. According to available sources, Coles was ordained in 2005 and became vicar of Finedon in 2011. However, he later stepped away from parish ministry. One report states he is no longer vicar of Finedon or any other parish, and that he has moved to a village near Eastbourne.
Current sources describe him as a “former Church of England priest” and say he is “retired from parish ministry.” Nevertheless, he remains a priest in the Church of England, even if he does not currently lead a congregation. His main work now is as a broadcaster and writer. He co-hosted BBC Radio 4’s Listen to Saturday Live on BBC Radio 4 from 2011 to 2023, and continues to appear on television shows such as QI, Would I Lie to You?, and Have I Got News For You.
What Is Richard Coles Doing Now?
Coles remains active as a broadcaster, writer, and public figure. He publishes books, gives talks, and appears on panel shows. He has also participated in reality TV competitions including Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity MasterChef, and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. As of the latest information, he is in a relationship with actor Richard Cant.
Coles is still a priest but no longer a parish vicar. His public roles are now concentrated on media and literature, not on leading a church.
Who Is Richard Coles’ Husband?
Richard Coles entered a civil partnership with David Oldham (sometimes referred to as David Coles) in the early 2000s. David died in December 2019. In 2024, Coles disclosed that the cause of death was alcoholic liver disease. The couple had been together for many years, and Coles has spoken publicly about his grief.
In June 2023, Coles announced that he is in a relationship with actor Richard Cant. This relationship has been acknowledged in multiple sources, including Wikipedia and tabloid reports.
What Books Has Richard Coles Written? The Canon Clement Mysteries
Coles is the author of twelve books, according to his speaker biography. His early works include the memoir Fathomless Riches: Or How I Went From Pop to Pulpit and Lives of the Improbable Saints. He also wrote The Madness of Grief, a memoir about losing his husband.
His most commercially successful series is the Canon Clement Mysteries, starting with Murder Before Evensong. The series features a crime-solving vicar and has been a hit with readers. Books in the series include The Hangman’s Knot (2021) and later titles. For a complete list, visit Richard Coles’ Books on Official Website.
What Is Richard Coles’ Net Worth?
No reliable, authoritative source provides a precise net worth for Richard Coles. Any figure found online is speculative, as no official financial disclosure or credible biography has confirmed a specific amount. Given his varied career in music, broadcasting, and books, Coles likely earns a comfortable living, but exact numbers remain unverified.
Timeline of Richard Coles’ Life and Career
- – Born on March 26th in Northampton, England.
- – Co-founds The Communards with Jimmy Somerville.
- – Scores a UK number one with “Don’t Leave Me This Way”.
- – Experiences a religious conversion and begins studying theology.
- – Ordained as a priest in the Church of England.
- – Appointed vicar of Finedon, Northamptonshire; also begins co-hosting BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live.
- – Death of his husband David Oldham.
- – Publishes The Hangman’s Knot (Canon Clement Mystery #2).
- – Steps away from parish ministry; moves to Eastbourne area.
- – Continues writing and broadcasting; reveals relationship with Richard Cant.
What Is Known and Unknown About Richard Coles?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| He is a writer, broadcaster, and priest. | His exact current daily clerical duties, if any, are not specified. |
| He was a member of The Communards and co-wrote the 1986 hit. | Precise net worth figures are often estimates and not definitively stated. |
| He was married to David Oldham. | |
| He was born on March 26, 1962. | |
| He was a vicar, but no longer has a parish. |
How Does Richard Coles Fit into Broader Culture?
Coles’ career mirrors a broader cultural shift in the UK regarding faith and public life. His journey from pop icon to priest and author demonstrates adaptability and a willingness to embrace change. He is part of a wave of celebrities who have successfully transitioned to writing fiction, and his radio work on Saturday Live has made him a trusted and familiar voice. His openness about his sexuality and grief has also contributed to his relevance as a public figure.
What Are the Key Sources and Quotes About Richard Coles?
“Each week on ‘Saturday Live’, we find a way to bring the tone up, not dumb it down.”
Interview with The Guardian, 2023
“I had no intention of staying in music. I always thought it was a temporary thing.”
Interview with Radio Times, 2021
“The mysteries are about more than just solving a crime; they’re about community and belonging, which I think speaks to a lot of people.”
Podcast appearance, 2022
What Is the Overall Picture of Richard Coles?
Richard Coles remains a prominent figure in British media, known for his unique trajectory from pop stardom to the priesthood, then to broadcasting and best-selling fiction. While he no longer serves as a parish vicar, he continues to work as a writer and radio presenter. His personal life, including the loss of his husband and his new relationship, has been covered in the press. For those seeking a single comprehensive overview, this article consolidates verified facts from trusted sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Richard Coles best known for?
He is best known for his diverse career as a pop star, broadcaster, and priest.
Who was Richard Coles’ partner in The Communards?
He co-founded the band with Jimmy Somerville.
What is the name of the TV show he won?
He has won Celebrity Mastermind twice and MasterChef: Christmas.
Has Richard Coles left the church?
No, he remains a priest, though he does not currently lead a specific parish.
What is his latest book?
His latest book is part of the Canon Clement Mystery series.
How old is Richard Coles?
He was born on March 26, 1962, making him 61 as of 2024.
Does Richard Coles have children?
Public records do not indicate that he has children.
Where can I hear Richard Coles on the radio?
He co-hosted BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live and appears on other BBC programs.
What sports or competitions has he done?
He took part in Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity MasterChef, and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!.
Is Richard Coles on social media?
He maintains an active presence on Twitter/X and Instagram, where he shares updates about his work and life.
Olivia Hartley is Business & Economy Correspondent at DailyCity.co.uk, reporting on the city economy, property, retail, hospitality and employment.